Description
Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese combines sharp cheddar with pumpkin puree for a cozy fall twist on the classic comfort dish. Perfect for weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) pasta (macaroni or shells)
- Salt, as needed
- 4 tablespoons (55g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (470ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup (227g) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter or spray a 3-quart casserole dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2–3 minutes until nutty.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and bubbling.
- Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in pumpkin puree and 3/4 of the cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add pasta to sauce and coat evenly.
- Transfer to prepared dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheddar for the smoothest melt.
- Add crispy breadcrumbs on top before baking for crunch.
- Substitute Gruyère or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg