Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

In the world of comfort food, few dishes evoke warmth and satisfaction like mac and cheese. It's a staple meal that has been cherished for generations, often associated with childhood memories and family gatherings. This Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese takes the beloved classic to a whole new level by incorporating the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin alongside the indulgent creaminess of cheese. Perfect for autumn, family gatherings, or a cozy night in, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Discover the ultimate comfort food transformation with this Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese recipe. Combining the nostalgic flavors of classic mac and cheese with the rich, earthy taste of pumpkin, this dish is perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy to prepare, it features a creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Explore variations and nutritional insights to make this delicious recipe your own!

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Ingredients

8 oz (about 2 cups) elbow macaroni

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux, stirring constantly.

Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Incorporate Pumpkin & Seasonings: Stir in the pumpkin puree, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and start adding the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, a handful at a time. Stir continuously until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine Pasta & Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well combined. If the mixture looks too thick, you can add a splash more of milk to reach your desired creaminess.

Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. This will give a nice golden crust.

Assemble and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 45 minutes | Serves 4-6