Brace yourselves, food rebels, because we’re about to take mac and cheese to a whole new level of flavor-packed, cheese-loaded awesomeness! This Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake is not your average macaroni dish – it’s a culinary explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food makeover, where creamy cheese, sweet autumn produce, and a crunchy topping come together in a harmonious fusion of epic proportions.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake
This Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food upgrade that will have you begging for seconds (and thirds!). Imagine a rich, velvety cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, mixed with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, tender apples, and crunchy pecans. The result is a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Not only is this dish insanely delicious, but it’s also a celebration of the best of autumn’s bounty, making it the perfect cozy and comforting meal for the chilly season.
Ingredients
To create this Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake, you’ll need a few key ingredients: elbow macaroni, butternut squash, apples, pecans, shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, milk, butter, flour, garlic, spices, and breadcrumbs. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise!
- 1 lb (454g) – Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (480ml) – Cubed butternut squash
- 2 medium – Apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup (120g) – Chopped pecans
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) – Shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 cups (480ml) – Milk
- 4 tbsp (56g) – Unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp (28g) – All-purpose flour
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp – Salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup (100g) – Panko breadcrumbs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butternut Squash: Sweet potatoes or pumpkin (similar texture and sweetness)
- Apples: Pears or a mix of different apple varieties (to add variety in flavor and texture)
How to Make Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake
Let’s get started on this cheesy, flavor-packed masterpiece!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and getting all your ingredients ready. Dice the butternut squash, peel and chop the apples, and grate the cheeses. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Combine the cooked macaroni, roasted butternut squash, and chopped apples in a large baking dish. Pour the cheesy sauce over the top and stir to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle the crunchy pecans and panko breadcrumbs over the top.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy this insane, flavor-packed masterpiece!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Autumn Spice: Add a touch of maple syrup or ground cinnamon for extra autumn flavor.
- Veggie Swap: Mix in other roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or caramelized onions.
- Crunchy Topping: Use a mixture of panko and regular breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with other melty cheeses like Parmesan, fontina, or Gouda.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crusty loaf of bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the recipe up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake is a hearty and indulgent dish, but it’s also packed with the goodness of autumn produce. Each serving provides a delicious balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal. Embrace the cheese, savor the seasonal flavors, and indulge without guilt!
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbs: 61 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving. Simply prepare the recipe up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feel free to get creative with the cheese selection! While the cheddar and Gruyère combination is delicious, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like fontina, Gouda, or even a blend of cheeses.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake vegetarian, simply omit the pecans or replace them with a plant-based alternative, such as toasted pepitas or crushed walnuts.
Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
Yes, you can! Bake the mac and cheese 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. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up all that delicious cheese sauce.
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Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Autumn Harvest Mac and Cheese Bake is the perfect comfort food for fall! Creamy cheese sauce combined with roasted seasonal veggies and topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup butternut squash, diced
1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
1 cup kale, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, toss the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, until tender.
4. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, cooking for about 1 minute.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni, roasted vegetables, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Pour into a greased baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked bacon or sausage.
This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. Simply cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: macaroni, cheese, autumn, bake, comfort food