Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Our Baked Pumpkin Mac and Cheese combines the creamy, cheesy goodness you love with the rich, seasonal flavor of pumpkin. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, this dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its golden, bubbly topping. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a warm, hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well-blended.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing thoroughly to distribute the cheese throughout the pasta.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta.
- Distribute the breadcrumbs evenly across the surface of the mac and cheese to create a crispy topping.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi for a fun twist.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep the flavors balanced and savory.
- Cheese Variations: For a more complex flavor, mix in different types of cheese such as Gruyère or mozzarella along with the cheddar.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crunch, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them on top.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for about 5 minutes after baking; this helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
- Garnish Creatively: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish, making it even more appealing.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you're ready to serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
