Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Bacon. This delightful dish features a rich, cheesy sauce made from pure pumpkin puree, sharp cheddar, and crispy bacon, creating a warm and inviting meal perfect for any occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ideal choice for a cozy dinner or festive gathering that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package directions; drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, melt butter in the remaining bacon drippings over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in milk and pumpkin puree until smooth. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. For a baked version, transfer to a greased dish, top with bacon and extra cheese, then bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg