Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 2/3 cups dry elbow macaroni (or any other fun shape works too!)
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 5-6 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, optional
- 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard, optional
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (about half a 15 oz can)
- 1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated plus more for topping
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- 6 ounces cream cheese (can use more mozzarella or Provolone if desired)
- 1/2 cup toasted panko style breadcrumbs
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Method
Step 1: Fill a large heavy-bottomed (oven-safe if broiling) pot to a boil on the stove. Add in pasta and cook for about 6 minutes or until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Bring the same pot back to the stove on medium-low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour creating a roux. Whisk constantly, until smooth slurry forms – about 1 -2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk and continue to whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Whisk in nutmeg, mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add pumpkin and cheeses and stir until sauce forms and thickens. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt or black pepper as needed.
Step 4: Once cheese sauce is smooth, add the cooked macaroni and toss to coat. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Add more milk or cheese as needed for the consistency desired. Sprinkle with reserved cheese, chopped parsley and toasted panko crumbs. For an extra crunchy-topping, place (oven-safe pot) under the broiler for 2 minutes. (You can also cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350 F oven for 20 minutes).
Step 6: Plate and serve hot.
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Recipe Info
Tip: The recipe is best warm and fresh but will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for 3 months. Reheat on low heat prior to serving leftovers so the cheese doesn’t separate and add milk as needed to desired creamy consistency.