Best 2 Pumpkin Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Dive into the world of creamy, cheesy, and pumpkin-infused goodness with our versatile Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese recipes! These culinary creations combine the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the vibrant flavors of pumpkin, resulting in a dish that's perfect for cozy dinners, festive gatherings, or simply satisfying your cravings. In this article, we've gathered a collection of pumpkin mac and cheese recipes that cater to various tastes and preferences. From the classic stovetop method to baked variations, from mild to spicy, and even a vegan option – there's something for everyone to savor. So, gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a delectable journey with our Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese extravaganza!

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PUMPKIN MAC AND CHEESE



Pumpkin Mac and Cheese image

If you've ever had pumpkin ravioli--pasta pillows filled with cheesy and earthy-sweet pumpkin--you'll love this mac and cheese. Adding canned pumpkin to the bechamel sauce thickens it, making it extra creamy and vibrantly orange. The crowning touch? You top the dish with whole slices of Cheddar and slide it under the broiler for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown layer of pure melty goodness.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni or shells
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
One 15-ounce can pure pumpkin puree
16 ounces extra-sharp yellow Cheddar, grated (about 6 cups)
6 deli slices yellow Cheddar (about 5 ounces)

Steps:

  • Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta and rinse under cold water.
  • Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, until the mixture is smooth and golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the half-and-half, Dijon, cayenne, nutmeg, garlic powder and 2 teaspoons salt and cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce begins to boil and thicken enough to hold a trail by the whisk, 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the pumpkin puree and grated Cheddar until the cheese just melts. Stir in the pasta, adding enough of the reserved pasta water as needed to make a creamy sauce.
  • If your broiler is in the top of the oven, move the oven rack to the center. Preheat the broiler.
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to the baking dish, top with the Cheddar slices and broil until the cheese is melted and the top browns in places, 8 to 9 minutes.

PUMPKIN MACARONI AND CHEESE



Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked
2 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
1/4 cup Parmesan or cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups chopped cooked Swiss chard
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
5 ounces diced procuitto, duck confit, ham, bacon - whatever flavor you desire
1/3 cup bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Butter a casserole dish. Mix 2 cups of the puree and all other ingredients together in dish. Spread 1/2 cup puree over the top of the mixture. Top with bread crumbs. Bake in a preheated 425-degree oven for about 20 minutes (longer if ingredients are cold when combined).

Tips:

  • Use fresh or frozen pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin puree can be used, but fresh or frozen pumpkin puree will give your macaroni and cheese a more vibrant flavor and color.
  • Roast your own pumpkin: Roasting your own pumpkin is easy and gives you the best flavor. To roast a pumpkin, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pumpkin is tender. Once the pumpkin is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and puree it in a food processor.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is one of the most important ingredients in macaroni and cheese, so it's important to use a good quality cheese that you enjoy the taste of. A sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use other types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni: Overcooked macaroni is mushy and unpleasant to eat. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, or until it is al dente, which means it is still slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick enough: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the macaroni and cheese without being too runny. If the sauce is too thin, you can add a little bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up.

Conclusion:

Pumpkin macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a fall meal. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make the best pumpkin macaroni and cheese that you've ever tasted.

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