Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping
Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy cheeses and roasted pumpkin for a delightful twist on a classic dish. This easy-to-make recipe features a crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds texture to every cheesy bite. Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, this mac and cheese will warm your heart and impress your guests!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in an equal amount of flour to create a roux; cook until golden brown (1-2 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in milk followed by pumpkin puree, seasoning with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; cook until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Gruyère until melted and creamy.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac & cheese in a baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap cheddar with gouda or add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat gently in the oven.