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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin mac and cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with roasted pumpkin for a comforting fall dish. The process involves cooking pasta, preparing a rich cheese sauce with pumpkin puree, and baking until golden and bubbly. The final result is a hearty, velvety, and visually appealing casserole with a cheesy 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: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 250 ml milk whole or full-fat
  • 200 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 100 g grated Parmesan cheese preferably with rind
  • 1 cup pureed roasted pumpkin or canned pumpkin
  • 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 lightly butter a baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam and smell nutty.
  4. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until the mixture turns slightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and pumpkin puree into the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
  8. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in the saucepan, tossing gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
  9. Transfer the coated pasta into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  10. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the top is golden and slightly crispy.
  11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly and flavors to meld.
  12. Serve warm, enjoying the creamy, cheesy, pumpkin-infused comfort in every bite.

Notes

For extra texture, top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy pancetta before baking. Adjust spice levels with cayenne to suit your taste. Using roasted pumpkin enhances flavor, but canned pumpkin works perfectly.