Cheesy Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Bake

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a classic mac and cheese. But what if we took this beloved dish and infused it with the warm, inviting flavors of autumn? Enter the Cheesy Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Bake—a delightful twist on a traditional favorite that’s sure to become a seasonal staple.

Experience autumn in a bowl with this Cheesy Pumpkin Spice Mac and Cheese Bake! This creamy delight blends rich pumpkin puree and a hint of warm spices for a unique twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, it features a bubbly cheese topping and a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become your go-to recipe for chilly evenings. Embrace the flavors of fall with every delicious bite!

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Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)

1 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)

Fresh sage leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.

Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Incorporate Cheese and Pumpkin: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with the delicious mixture.

Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Evenly spread the mixture out.

Add Toppings: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese for a crunchy topping.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh sage leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6-8 servings