Dive into the cozy flavors of fall with this creamy, comforting Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole. This indulgent dish combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the warm, earthy sweetness of pumpkin for a truly unforgettable seasonal masterpiece. Prepare to be swept away by the velvety smooth texture and the irresistible blend of spices that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole for Fall
This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for the autumn season. The addition of pumpkin puree creates a lush, creamy base that perfectly complements the melty, cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse the dish with cozy, festive flavors that evoke the essence of fall. Topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, this casserole is a true feast for the senses. Indulge in the comforting warmth and satisfying heartiness of this dish, perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings with loved ones.
Ingredients
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole features a delectable blend of classic ingredients like elbow macaroni, butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheese, along with the star ingredient – pumpkin puree. The addition of warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, elevates the flavors, creating a truly irresistible autumn-inspired dish.
- 8 oz (227g) – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp (57g) – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (31g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) – Whole milk
- 1 cup (240g) – Pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp – Ground cloves
- 2 cups (226g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (40g) – Panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The texture and cooking time may vary slightly.
- Cheese Blend: Try a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan for even more depth of flavor.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole for Fall
This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole comes together in four simple steps for a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for the autumn season.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set it aside. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Add the pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the thickened milk mixture. Whisk until the flavors are well combined. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the creamy pumpkin cheese sauce, stirring to ensure even distribution. Top the casserole with a layer of crispy Panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly, about 25-30 minutes. Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving, then dig in and savor the cozy, comforting flavors of fall.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon or Mushrooms: For a little extra richness, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the casserole.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Gouda, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Festive Toppings: To make this dish even more festive, top it with toasted pumpkin seeds or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Sweetness Boost: If you prefer a slightly sweeter note, try incorporating a touch of maple syrup or brown sugar.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh, crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete autumn-inspired meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Make-Ahead: This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Nutrition Information
This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole is a hearty, indulgent dish that provides a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 20 grams of fat, 48 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein. The pumpkin puree adds a boost of vitamin A, while the cheese provides a good source of calcium.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 48 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled temperature.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh pumpkin puree in this recipe. Simply roast or steam a small sugar pumpkin, then blend or mash the flesh until smooth. Adjust the amount as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
To make this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole more appealing to little ones, you can reduce the amount of spices or omit them altogether. You can also try incorporating their favorite toppings, such as crushed crackers or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the dish, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a crisp, fresh salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a warm loaf of crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce.
Try These Next
Print
Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole for Fall
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍲 Comfort Classics & Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Casserole is the perfect comfort food for fall. It’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with pumpkin flavor. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the cooked macaroni and cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan) until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover it with foil and bake when you’re ready to serve. Feel free to add cooked bacon or sausage for extra flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, pumpkin, casserole, fall, comfort food