Pumpkin is almost synonymous with Fall. Jump on the bandwagon and add it to our classic macaroni and cheese for a bowl of truly rich and creamy comfort food. This Pumpkin White Cheddar Macaroni And Cheese is trendy, it’s in, it’s got pumpkin, and it’s just about the best thing to ever come out of a warm kitchen.

If you’ve been near a tv recently, or near any kind of grocery store or eatery– you’ve probably noticed it’s pumpkin season.

If not, a few quick clicks around the internet will clue you in.

Every year it’s like a world-wide contest to see what new thing pumpkin can be merged with now. I’m used to seeing sweet versions, like pastries and desserts.

I’ve noticed a new trend emerging where pumpkin seems to be just as popular in sweet and savory recipes.

I’m not someone anyone would consider ‘trendy’, and I quite happily march to the beat of my own drum.

That being said even I couldn’t exactly ignore all these people losing their minds the moment it becomes socially acceptable for pumpkin to be considered ‘in’ season. 

While I’m no stranger to all the yummy goodness that is sweet pumpkin flavored treats, I hadn’t been brave enough to venture into savory territory yet. At least not until my sister told me about a creamy pumpkin mac and cheese she’d had.

Pumpkin in mac and cheese, you say??

That was all she said and I was hooked. I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. This is one of those times when you discover something so totally awesome, it’s amazing.

This Pumpkin White Cheddar Macaroni And Cheese is everything your little pumpkin lovin’ heart could want in one dish. The pumpkin blends seamlessly into the white cheddar creating a rich and creamy sauce that hugs every inch of the pasta it’s tossed with.

My favorite part? If you opt not to tell the kids (or picky husbands) they never even guess there getting an extra helping of veggies in one of their favorite meals.

Pumpkin White Cheddar Macaroni And Cheese is the best way to combine three of your most favorite things (pumpkin, pasta, and cheese, of course) into one epic Fall dish.

Pumpkin White Cheddar Macaroni And Cheese

This is a classic, rich & creamy macaroni and cheese with pumpkin stirred right into the white cheddar sauce. It's seasonal comfort food at it's finest.

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Course: Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Baked, mac & cheese, macaroni and cheese, pumpkin, white cheddar

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Author: Meaghan @ 4 Sons R Us

Ingredients

• 1 lb of your favorite small pasta ex: penne, rotini, elbow
• 3 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp divided
• 3 tbsp flour
• 3 cups of milk
• salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese + extra cheese for topping
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to the package directions, just until al dente. Transfer to a strainer, and run the pasta under cold water to stop it cooking. Set aside the cooled, cooked pasta.
• In large a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk the flour into the butter, and let it cook out the flour taste. Whisk in the milk, one cup at a time, to form a roux. Bring the roux to a simmer and continue cooking, and whisking occasionally, until it's thickened a bit, about 5 minutes.
• Whisk in the garlic powder, paprika, mustard, and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in the pumpkin until the sauce is smooth. Add in the cheeses and stir until they've melted and the sauce is once again smooth. Turn off the heat, and transfer the pasta to the skillet. Gently toss to combine, until all the pasta is coated.
• Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and add some extra shredded cheddar cheese to the top, followed by the bread crumb topping. Dot the crumb topping with the additional butter.
• Bake at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and the crumb topping is lightly browned and crisp.

Notes

This meal can be made ahead of time, spread into an oven AND freezer safe dish, and frozen to be baked at a later time. If freezing to cook later, do not add the toppings until right before baking.