Y’all, are you ready to break some delicious rules today? Because I’ve got a recipe that’s about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise – Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble! This dish is absolutely INSANE, and I’m not even sorry about it. Life gave us ingredients, and we’re about to make them LEGENDARY!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
This epic mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup you never knew you needed. Imagine the rich, velvety texture of a pumpkin-infused cheese sauce, combined with the explosive flavors of pumpkin spice. Then, top it all off with a crunchy, savory bacon crumble that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. This recipe is a total game-changer, and it’s sure to cause some serious food jealousy among your friends and family. Get ready to dive into a bowl of irresistible, mouth-watering goodness!
Ingredients
You’re going to need a few key ingredients to make this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble an absolute sensation. First up, you’ll need macaroni, because what’s a mac and cheese without the mac? Then, we’ve got pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to create that dreamy, creamy pumpkin-infused sauce. To top it all off, we’ve got crispy bacon, a touch of pumpkin spice, and some panko breadcrumbs for an epic crunch factor.
- 1 lb – Elbow macaroni
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 slices – Crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1 tsp – Pumpkin spice
- 1/2 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pumpkin Puree: Sweet potato puree (a great alternative for those who aren’t as pumpkin-obsessed as I am!)
- Bacon: Toasted pecans or crushed up potato chips (for a different kind of crunch factor)
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
Alright, let’s get this party started! First up, we’ve got some prep work to do. Go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F, then cook up that delicious bacon until it’s nice and crispy. Drain the bacon on some paper towels and let it cool, then crumble it up into bite-sized pieces.
Step 1: [Prep Work]
Preheat the oven to 400°F and cook the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and let cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]
Next, it’s time to make that creamy, pumpkin-infused cheese sauce. In a large pot, melt some butter over medium heat, then whisk in the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, and a blend of shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Season with pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer and thicken up.
Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]
Once the sauce is nice and velvety, it’s time to add in the cooked macaroni and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the pumpkin mac and cheese to a baking dish, then top it with the crispy bacon crumble and a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: [Finishing Touches]
Pop that bad boy in the oven and bake until the top is golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Trust me, the aroma alone is going to have your taste buds begging for a bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Crunch: Add some chopped pecans or toasted walnuts to the bacon crumble for an extra layer of crunch and nuttiness.
- Tangy Twist: Experiment with different cheese blends, like a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan, or even throw in some crumbled goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Veggie-Loaded: Stir in some roasted butternut squash, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and use a vegetable-based broth or stock instead of the heavy cream. You can also experiment with a mix of smoked Gouda and Parmesan for that same rich and indulgent flavor.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or a glass of your favorite crisp white wine.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy another epic mac and cheese moment.
Make-Ahead: This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese is the perfect make-ahead dish. Simply assemble the mac and cheese, top with the bacon crumble, and bake it off when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
While this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble is definitely an indulgent dish, the pumpkin puree and heavy cream provide a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. And hey, a little bit of bacon never hurt anyone, right? Just remember to enjoy this delicious creation in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 21 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 32 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese is the perfect make-ahead dish. Simply assemble the mac and cheese, top with the bacon crumble, and bake it off when you’re ready to serve. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy the flavors all week long.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works just as well in this recipe. In fact, it’s the secret ingredient that makes this mac and cheese so incredibly creamy and flavorful.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You bet! To make this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese gluten-free, simply swap out the regular macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! This recipe is a great base to get creative with. Try stirring in some roasted butternut squash, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese vegetarian, simply omit the bacon and use a vegetable-based broth or stock instead of the heavy cream. You can also experiment with different cheese blends, like a mix of smoked Gouda and Parmesan, to get that same rich and indulgent flavor.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Sage Topping
- Creamy Garlic Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Creamy Cheddar Mac And Cheese With Bacon Crumble
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and creamy mac and cheese with a pumpkin spice twist, topped with crispy bacon crumble for added texture and flavor.
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
2 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine pumpkin puree, heavy cream, pumpkin spice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to combine.
5. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with crumbled bacon and breadcrumbs if using.
6. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional bacon if desired.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, you can omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, pumpkin spice, bacon, comfort food