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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin mac and cheese combines creamy, cheesy sauce with roasted pumpkin for a comforting fall dish. The process involves cooking pasta, preparing a rich cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and pumpkin puree, then baking until bubbly and golden on top. The final dish has a velvety texture with a slight sweetness and a golden crust.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 250 ml milk whole milk preferred
  • 200 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 100 g grated Parmesan cheese preferably with rind for extra flavor
  • 1 cup roasted pumpkin puree can use canned or homemade
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to spice preference

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish
  • Ladle or slotted spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and butter a baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, listening for a gentle sizzling as it melts.
  4. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until the mixture smells lightly nutty and turns a pale golden.
  5. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened and silky.
  6. Stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and pumpkin puree. Mix until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns a vibrant orange with a velvety texture.
  7. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne to taste, stirring to combine.
  8. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat every piece evenly.
  9. Pour the coated pasta into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  10. Top with a little extra cheese if desired, then bake for about 20 minutes until bubbling around the edges and golden on top.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly and the dish to cool just enough for serving.
  12. Scoop onto plates, enjoy the warm, cheesy, pumpkin-infused goodness, and savor the cozy flavors!