Prepare to embark on a flavor adventure that blends the comforting richness of pumpkin, the savory goodness of bacon, and the creamy indulgence of Alfredo sauce. This Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake is a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to savor the cozy, zesty, and utterly craveable flavors in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake
Imagine a dish that combines the warmth of pumpkin, the smoky-crisp texture of bacon, and the velvety, lush Alfredo sauce – all baked into a hearty, satisfying casserole. This recipe is a true comfort food masterpiece, perfect for chilly autumn evenings or any time you crave a cozy, indulgent meal. The savory pumpkin puree adds a subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the rich Alfredo, while the bacon brings a delightful crunch and smoky depth. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this epic, festive, and utterly craveable dish.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a delicious blend of pumpkin, bacon, Alfredo sauce, and a few other key ingredients to create the ultimate savory-sweet bake. You’ll need pumpkin puree, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, bacon, and a few pantry staples.
- 1 (15 oz) can – Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 4 slices – Bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
Ingredient Substitutions
- Dairy-free: Use a plant-based Alfredo sauce or a creamy cashew-based sauce.
- Vegetarian: Swap the bacon for crispy prosciutto or toasted pepitas.
How to Make Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake
Get ready to create a cozy, indulgent masterpiece with this step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the crispy bacon pieces, ensuring they are distributed throughout the dish.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake until the center is set and the edges are golden brown and bubbly, about 30-40 minutes.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes, then serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- More Indulgent: Top the bake with a layer of shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese before baking.
- Add More Nutrition: Stir in cooked pasta or a handful of spinach or kale.
- Make it Festive: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Customize the Flavors: Experiment with different herbs, spices, or a touch of nutmeg or cinnamon.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake a day in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Nutrition Information
This Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish that provides a balance of macronutrients. Each serving offers a good source of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates from the pumpkin puree. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 14 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake a day in advance and refrigerate it, unbaked. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of homemade puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great in this recipe. It’s a convenient and readily available option.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, the Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake freezes well. Bake the dish as directed, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat-based ingredients. It’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or swap it for crispy toasted pepitas or chopped walnuts. You can also use a plant-based Alfredo sauce to make it dairy-free.
Try These Next
- savory sweet potato bacon hash for brunch bliss
- savory sweet potato bacon breakfast skillet
- savory sweet potato and bacon waffles
Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Pumpkin Bacon Alfredo Bake is a delicious fusion of creamy Alfredo sauce, savory pumpkin, and crispy bacon, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a unique holiday side dish.
Ingredients
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Add the cooked fettuccine to the pumpkin mixture and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
6. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
9.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding some sautéed onions or spinach to the mix.
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon according to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pumpkin, Bacon, Alfredo, Pasta, Bake