Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with this Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Savory Herb Crumble. This epic dish is the ultimate comfort food mashup – the rich, velvety pumpkin-infused cheese sauce paired with a crunchy, herby topping that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Prepare to experience mac and cheese like never before, my friends. This recipe is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Savory Herb Crumble
Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy! Life gave us ingredients, and we’re making them LEGENDARY with this sensational creation. The silky, creamy pumpkin sauce is the perfect canvas for the explosive flavors of the savory herb crumble. It’s a match made in culinary heaven – the ultimate comfort food with a bold, gourmet twist. This epic mac and cheese is sure to become a new family favorite, whether you’re serving it as a mouthwatering main course or an irresistible side. Get ready to devour every last bite and leave your guests begging for more!
Ingredients
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Savory Herb Crumble is made with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an incredible explosion of flavor. From the rich pumpkin puree and melty cheese to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs and aromatic herbs, every element in this recipe is designed to deliver a thrilling culinary experience.
- 12 oz (340g) – Elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 4 tbsp (60g) – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) – Whole milk
- 1 cup (240g) – Pumpkin puree
- 2 cups (200g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1/2 tsp – Black pepper
- 1 cup (70g) – Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup (50g) – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp – Chopped fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or sage)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Cheese Blend: Try a combination of cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan for an even creamier sauce.
- Herbs: Swap in your favorite fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage for the savory crumble topping.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Savory Herb Crumble
We’re about to take your mac and cheese game to the next level, so let’s start by getting all our ingredients ready to go. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
Now, let’s make that epic pumpkin-infused cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the pumpkin puree, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is silky and creamy.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Time to assemble this insane mac and cheese masterpiece! Add the cooked pasta to the pumpkin cheese sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this savory herb crumble over the top of the mac and cheese, making sure to cover it evenly.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Cheese Blend: Swap in different cheese blends for the sauce, like a combination of cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan.
- Add-Ins: Add in diced bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Crispy Topping: Top the mac and cheese with a crispy panko crust before baking for an amazing crunch.
- Herb Crumble: Use a mix of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage in the savory crumble topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage: Cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the mac and cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This epic dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until hot and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked mac and cheese for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Savory Herb Crumble is a comfort food masterpiece that’s packed with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients. The pumpkin puree provides a boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the melty cheese offers a satisfying dose of protein and calcium.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Carbs: 41 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pumpkin mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep or making in advance. Assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before baking.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The possibilities are endless! For the creamiest, most decadent pumpkin cheese sauce, we recommend using a blend of sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan. But feel free to experiment with other melty cheese varieties like fontina, gouda, or even cream cheese.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Definitely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sweeteners and spices.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Savory Herb Crumble vegetarian, simply omit the Parmesan cheese from the topping and use a vegetarian-friendly hard cheese in the sauce. You can also swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour in the sauce with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For the topping, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
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Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese with Savory Herb Crumble
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac & Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic dish, featuring a rich pumpkin sauce and a savory herb crumble topping that adds a delightful crunch. Perfect for fall or any cozy night in!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined and heated through.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the pumpkin sauce and stir to coat evenly.
5. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme, sage, and melted butter. Mix well.
7. Sprinkle the herb crumble evenly over the mac and cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. You can also substitute different cheeses for a unique flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: pumpkin, mac and cheese, comfort food