Buckle up, folks, because today we’re about to take your mac and cheese game to a whole new level! Get ready for the ultimate Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble – a dish so insanely delicious, it’s going to have your taste buds dancing with joy. This recipe is a flavor explosion that’s about to turn your kitchen into a veritable flavor paradise. So, Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today?
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble
This recipe is an absolute game-changer, my friends! Imagine the ultimate comfort food classic, the beloved mac and cheese, infused with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. We’re talking a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s going to have you licking your plate clean. But wait, there’s more! We’ve also added a savory sage crumble topping that’s going to take this dish to the next level of deliciousness. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and just a touch of indulgence. Trust me, this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble is going to become your new go-to for the ultimate comfort food experience. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this EPIC meal!
Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk about the ingredients that are going to make this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble an absolute sensation. You’re going to need some classic mac and cheese essentials like elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, and milk. But then we’re going to kick it up a notch with pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and sage. Plus, we’ll add in some shredded cheddar cheese and a few other magical ingredients to create that irresistible, creamy sauce. Get ready to dive into flavor heaven, my friends!
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Whole milk
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp – Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp – Black pepper
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp – Chopped fresh sage
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta Shape: Try using a different short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or shells for a fun twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk (almond or oat) and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make this recipe dairy-free.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble
Alright, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating this EPIC Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble. Get ready for some serious flavor magic, folks!
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, let’s get our prep work out of the way. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Get ready to work some culinary wizardry, my friends!
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Now, let’s make that insanely creamy pumpkin spice sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, and let it cook for a minute or two until it’s bubbly and fragrant. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it thicken up, about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s nice and creamy, stir in the pumpkin puree mixture and the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Alright, now for the moment of truth! Add the cooked macaroni to the pumpkin spice sauce and stir to coat. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh sage, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this savory sage crumble topping over the mac and cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To finish things off, pop that bad boy in the oven and bake until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Trust me, the aroma alone is going to have your taste buds begging for a bite.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Bits: Add some crispy bacon bits for an extra savory twist.
- Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and stir them into the mac and cheese for an earthy flavor.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Finish the dish with a drizzle of pure maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Pecan Topping: Sprinkle some crushed pecans over the top for a crunchy, nutty topping.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese and the sage crumble topping in advance, then bake it off when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble is not only INSANELY delicious, but it’s also packed with wholesome goodness. The pumpkin puree is loaded with vitamin A, while the sage adds a boost of antioxidants. And let’s not forget the cheddar cheese, which provides a nice serving of protein. So, go ahead and treat yourself – this dish is a true flavor explosion that’s also good for you.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 51 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the mac and cheese and the sage crumble topping in advance, then simply bake it off when you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate the uncooked dish until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Definitely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can absolutely swap it out for other short pasta shapes, like penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese is already vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to use a vegetarian-friendly cheese, and you’re good to go.
Can I freeze this dish?
You bet! This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble freezes beautifully. Simply bake it off, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish dairy-free by using plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The pumpkin puree and sage crumble topping will still give you all that amazing flavor, without the dairy.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Sage Topping
- Creamy Pumpkin Mac And Cheese With Savory Herb Crumble
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac & Cheese with Savory Sage Crumble
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy pumpkin spice mac & cheese, topped with a savory sage crumble. Perfect for fall, this dish combines the warmth of pumpkin and spices with the gooey goodness of cheese, creating a comforting meal that your family will love.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
Instructions
1. 1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. In a large saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, pumpkin spice, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat until smooth and heated through.
3. 3. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
4. 4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
5. 5. In a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and chopped sage, stirring until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and fragrant.
6. 6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. 7. Transfer the mac & cheese to a baking dish and top with the savory sage crumble.
8. 8. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also use different cheeses, like Gruyere or mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pumpkin, mac and cheese, fall recipes, comfort food