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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Side Dishes ยป Pumpkin Baked Mac and Cheese recipe

    PUBLISHED: October 25, 2020 โ€ข By Toni Dash 16 Comments

    Pumpkin Baked Mac and Cheese recipe

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    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    pumpkin mac and cheese title image

    Baked Mac and Cheese is the best kind of comfort food. It’s easy to make and so much better than anything from the store. This version adds just a bit of pumpkin for a gorgeous color and fabulous flavor without being too pumpkin-y.

    pumpkin mac and cheese title image
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    pumpkin mac and cheese title image

    Creamy Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort side dish. It’s great for any meal of the day and Thanksgiving. 

    This fall version adds pumpkin puree giving it a rich color, velvety texture and a deep flavor you’ll love.

    Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

    If you are thinking pumpkin has no place in a homemade macaroni and cheese casserole, I get it. 

    But once you try it you’ll see the perfection in the combination. 

    The pumpkin does not overtake the cheesy flavor. It’s not too pumpkin-y. 

    In fact you’ll barely know it’s there. It DOES make the overall flavor and texture richer.

    It’s a fast side dish ready in about 30 minutes.

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Butter. Use unsalted butter in both the parts of the recipe. 

    Pumpkin Puree. Store bought or homemade pumpkin puree can be used. Be sure NOT to use pumpkin pie filling which is sweet.

    Seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt and pepper. This mix of seasonings gives the perfect flavor boost to the macaroni and cheese recipe. There is only a pinch of pumpkin pie spice.

    Flour. Flour helps thicken the sauce and better coat the pasta. Regular All Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour blends may be used.

    Milk. Any dairy milk will work. It’s added to the pumpkin mixture to create the cheese sauce.

    Cooked Elbow Pasta. Use your favorite type of macaroni or elbow pasta. Cook it before beginning the recipe. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook based on package directions.

    Regular or gluten-free pasta can be used. I recommend Tinkyada elbow pasta if making the recipe gluten-free.

    Shredded Cheese. We recommend two types of cheese to give this baked macaroni and cheese the best flavors. Sharp cheddar cheese and gruyere cheese (which is usually used in quiche).

    The combination gives great flavor but doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the recipe. Shredded Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on the top for another great flavor addition.

    PRO TIP: grate the cheese yourself versus using pre shredded cheese. It contains an anti-caking agent that makes it not melt as smoothly.

    Breadcrumbs. Use store bought or homemade breadcrumbs. Adding them to the top of the mac n cheese before baking created a crisp, crunchy top that’s delicious.

    mac and cheese in a bowl

    Variations

    Change the cheese. Any favorite cheese can be used. Make it spicy with some Pepper Jack mixed with Colby. Go all cheddar with sharp cheddar cheese which has a stronger flavor than mild cheddar.

    Use a different pasta shape. Other small pasta like spirals are a fun change.

    Eat it without baking. The macaroni is done after it’s mixed together before baking. If you love creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe it can be eaten without baking. The crisp breadcrumb topping is delicious too.

    Make it a Main Dish recipe!

    If you want to turn this into a delicious one pan meal, add a cup of shredded chicken or pre-cooked sausages sliced.

    Stir it in when adding the pasta and cheese then bake as directed.

    Change the flavor for a more Mexican flavor use  Mexican Shredded Chicken (Instant Pot) or Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Taco Meat. 

    mac and cheese in pan with cheese

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Making the Mac and Cheese.

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

    Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a sauce pan over medium heat (photos 1-2). Add the pumpkin puree and cook for 3 minutes (photos 3-4).

    Add the seasonings. Stir in the flour (photos 5-6).

    Slowly add the milk to fully mix in (photo 7). Cook for 3 minutes.

    Add the cooked pasta and shredded cheese (photos 9-10). Stir until the cheese has melted creating a cheese sauce. Remove from heat.

    pumpkin mac and cheese recipe steps 1-4

    pumpkin mac and cheese recipe steps 5-8

    STEP 2. Baking it.

    Spoon the mixture into the buttered 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish (photo 10).

    Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly on top. Evenly add the chopped 2 tablespoons of butter and the Parmesan cheese (photo 11).

    Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown (photo 12).

    pumpkin mac and cheese recipe steps 9-12

    Storing Leftovers

    Refrigerated leftover macaroni and cheese casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It can dry out the longer it stays in the refrigerator.

    To Reheat: the easiest way to reheat is in the microwave.

    • Add a couple teaspoons of milk to a container with a serving of the mac and cheese.
    • Cover and reheat until warm.
    • Stir together before serving.

    How to Freeze Baked Mac and Cheese

    When the casserole has cooled fully, scoop individual portions into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months.

    Thaw in the refrigerator.

    Baked macaroni and cheese is drier than the regular creamier version. Following the reheating instructions above will help add moisture. 

    mac and cheese in a bowl close

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

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    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Recipe

    pumpkin mac and cheese title image

    Pumpkin Baked Mac and Cheese

    Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a crisp breadcrumb and cheese top is easy to make and delicious. The addition of a little pumpkin gives a rich color and flavor without making it taste like pumpkin!
    5 from 14 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 9 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 29 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 467kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
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    Ingredients

    Macaroni and Cheese

    • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree store bought or homemade
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • Pinch pumpkin pie spice
    • 3 tablespoon all purpose flour regular or gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend
    • 1 cup milk
    • 1 pound (16 ounces) cooked elbow pasta regular or gluten-free
    • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
    • 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon ground dry mustard

    Topping

    • ½ cup breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
    • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter chopped
    • ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch by 13-inch baking pan.
    • Melt the 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the pumpkin puree and cook for 3 minutes.
    • Whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, pumpkin pie spice and salt and pepper.
    • Add the flour and whisk to combine.
    • Pour the milk and slowly whisking until incorporated. Cook for 3 minutes or until thickened.
    • Combine the sauce mixture, cooked pasta, cheddar and gruyere cheeses. Toss to combine. Spoon evenly into the prepared baking dish.
    • Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Follow with the chopped butter and parmesan cheese.
    • Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown on top.

    Notes

    Store bought or homemade pumpkin puree can be used. Be sure NOT to use pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened.

    Short cut idea

    After making the mac and cheese if you don't have time to bake it, it will still be delicious. It just won't have the crusty top layer of the breadcrumbs and cheese.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 553mg | Potassium: 270mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 5313IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 2mg
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    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. kerri says

      October 29, 2020 at 9:47 am

      Saving this for our halloween dinner! We love savory pumpkin dishes!

      Reply
    2. Cathy says

      October 27, 2020 at 2:51 pm

      Savory pumpkin for the win! I’m obsessed!

      Reply
    3. Allyson Zea says

      October 27, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is super easy and delicious! Thank you so much for this recipe!

      Reply
    4. Cathy says

      October 27, 2020 at 12:26 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this last night and wea ll absolutely loved it! So creamy.

      Reply
    5. wilhelmina says

      October 27, 2020 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      Delicious! I was so amazed at well pumpkin blended in with mac & cheese flavors, it really tastes so yummy!

      Reply
    6. katerina says

      October 27, 2020 at 10:43 am

      5 stars
      I love the flavors in this mac and cheese!! It tastes AMAZING!! YUM!

      Reply
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    Welcome! Iโ€™m Toni Dash. Iโ€™m a Certified Nutrition Coach and the professional writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavoreยฎ. Iโ€™m so glad you are here!

    More about me โ†’

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