Get ready to take your mac and cheese game to a whole new level of deliciousness! This Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Crispy Sage Topping is an epic culinary adventure that’s about to blow your mind. We’re talking creamy, dreamy pumpkin goodness, smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce, and topped with a crunchy, flavor-packed crispy sage topping. Buckle up, my fellow food fanatics, because this dish is about to rock your world!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Crispy Sage Topping
This recipe is the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the cozy, familiar flavors of mac and cheese with the warm, autumnal vibes of pumpkin. The pumpkin puree adds a luscious, velvety texture and a hint of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory, creamy cheese sauce. And let’s not forget the mind-blowing crispy sage topping – it’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth! This dish is the perfect balance of rich, indulgent, and totally crave-worthy. Once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked for life. Trust me, this is not your average mac and cheese!
Ingredients
You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to create this epic Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese masterpiece. Gather up some elbow macaroni, pumpkin puree, heavy cream, shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, garlic, sage, and a few pantry staples. The key is using high-quality, fresh ingredients to really make the flavors shine.
- 1 lb – Elbow macaroni
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 10-12 – Fresh sage leaves
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version (it works just as well!)
- Dairy: Try swapping the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Crispy Sage Topping
Let’s get this party started, folks! This recipe is a breeze to whip up, and the results are nothing short of mind-blowing. Buckle up, because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by boiling the macaroni until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside. In a separate pan, sauté the garlic and fresh sage leaves until the sage is crispy and the garlic is fragrant. This is where the magic starts to happen, y’all!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, it’s time to whip up the creamy pumpkin cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, and a touch of seasoning. Simmer the sauce until it’s thick and velvety smooth. This is where the real flavor party kicks into high gear!
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now for the fun part – assembling this epic dish! Fold the cooked macaroni into the pumpkin cheese sauce until it’s evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top it with the crispy sage leaves. This is where we really take things to the next level, my friends.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese until it’s hot and bubbly, then let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the wait will be worth it! This is the moment where your taste buds are about to be blown away by the most epic mac and cheese you’ve ever experienced.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Boost: Add some chopped bacon or caramelized onions for an extra flavor punch.
- Cheese Please: Try swapping the cheddar for gouda or fontina cheese for a different twist.
- Spice It Up: Mix up the spices, using a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of smoked paprika.
- Crunchy Topping: Top it with some crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh, crisp salad, some crusty garlic bread, or a cold, refreshing beverage. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheating is a breeze – just pop it in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Make-Ahead: You can absolutely assemble this dish in advance and bake it just before serving. The crispy sage topping is best added right before baking, though.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese is a comfort food classic, but with a healthy twist. The pumpkin puree adds a boost of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, while the cheese provides a good source of protein. Of course, this dish is still indulgent, so be sure to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese in advance and bake it just before serving. The crispy sage topping is best added right before baking, though.
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can definitely use canned pumpkin puree in this recipe. Just be sure to look for 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe baking dish. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short, tube-shaped pasta you have on hand, like penne, rigatoni, or even small shells.
How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
To make this Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese even more appealing to the little ones, you can omit the crispy sage topping, or even blend the pumpkin into the cheese sauce for a smoother, more uniform texture.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese With Savory Herb Crumble
- Spicy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake With Maple Drizzle
- Crispy Maple Pumpkin Chicken Bites With Sweet Mustard Dip
Creamy Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Crispy Sage Topping
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy pumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese is the perfect comfort food, combining the rich flavors of pumpkin and cheese, topped with crispy sage for an aromatic finish. Ideal for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 fresh sage leaves
Instructions
1. 1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. In a large saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper.
3. 3. Heat over medium heat, stirring until well combined and warmed through.
4. 4. Add the cooked macaroni to the pumpkin sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
5. 5. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
6. 6. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and fry until crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. 7. Serve the mac ‘n’ cheese hot, garnished with crispy sage leaves.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the sauce.
You can substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream for a lighter version.
This dish can be made in advance and reheated, just add a splash of milk to loosen it up before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pumpkin, mac and cheese, comfort food