Get ready, y’all, because we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise! This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Macaroni Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s about to blow your mind. We’re talking about a rich, creamy pumpkin-infused mac and cheese that’s smothered in a luxurious spice blend and baked to epic, crispy perfection. Prepare to experience a sensational explosion of autumn-inspired flavors that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Macaroni Bake
This insane mac and cheese creation is the stuff of legends! It’s the perfect balance of cozy, comforting, and completely craveable. The velvety pumpkin puree blends seamlessly with the gooey cheese for a dish that’s both indulgent and surprisingly light. And let’s talk about that spice blend – it’s a thrilling flavor explosion that will have you coming back for bite after epic bite. This baked mac is the ultimate in comfort chaos, and it’s about to become your new favorite way to smash down a bowl of pasta. Get ready for your kitchen to transform into a flavor paradise!
Ingredients
We’re keeping things simple with just a few incredible ingredients that pack a massive punch of flavor. You’ll need pasta, pumpkin puree, a blend of melty cheeses, and a mouthwatering spice mix that’s going to take this dish to the next level. The best part? Most of these pantry staples are probably already hanging out in your kitchen, just waiting to be transformed into something truly epic.
- 16 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 1 cup – Pumpkin puree
- 2 cups – Milk
- 2 – Eggs
- 2 tsp – Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp – Ground nutmeg
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup – Grated parmesan cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta: You can swap out the classic elbow macaroni for penne, rigatoni, or even shells for a fun twist.
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of a particular cheese, feel free to mix and match your favorites – just be sure to keep the total amount the same for that perfect creamy texture.
How to Make Creamy Pumpkin Spice Macaroni Bake
Time to bring this flavor explosion to life! Let’s get started.
Step 1: Prep Work
Let’s start by getting all of our ingredients ready to go. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, and that mouthwatering spice blend. Grate the cheeses and have them at the ready.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large baking dish, layer the cooked pasta and the pumpkin-spice mixture, then top it all off with that epic cheese blend. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 30-35 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
The aroma wafting through your kitchen right now is probably making your mouth water, isn’t it? Let’s take this over-the-top creation to the next level by garnishing with a sprinkle of crunchy panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra pop of sweetness. Prepare to experience a true flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crunchy Topping: Try stirring in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Savory-Sweet Twist: Top it off with crispy bacon for a sensational savory-sweet masterpiece.
- Squash Swap: Swap the pumpkin puree for sweet potato or butternut squash puree for a similarly epic autumn-inspired twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a thrilling touch of heat.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal.
Storage: Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, or you can freeze individual portions for easy, tempting reheats whenever the craving strikes.
Reheat: Bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Information
Get ready to nourish your body and soul with this sensational pumpkin spice mac and cheese! Each serving is packed with essential vitamins and minerals from the pumpkin puree, while the protein-rich cheese and pasta will keep you feeling satisfied and energized. Indulge in this epic comfort food creation without any guilt – it’s the ultimate in healthy, delicious indulgence.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Protein: 21 g
- Carbs: 46 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 534 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of puree?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree will work perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You sure can! Swap out the dairy milk and cheese for your favorite non-dairy alternatives, and you’ll have a creamy, indulgent pumpkin mac that’s perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I make this recipe even spicier?
If you’re a heat-seeker, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the pumpkin-spice mixture for an extra kick of flavor.
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I serve with this Creamy Pumpkin Spice Macaroni Bake?
This epic comfort food creation is a real showstopper, so it doesn’t need much on the side. A fresh green salad or some roasted veggies would be the perfect accompaniment to round out the meal.
Try These Next
- Creamy Mac N Cheese Pumpkin Bake
- Bacon Maple Pumpkin Spice Waffles With Creamy Maple Drizzle
- Creamy Maple Cheddar Macaroni Bake
Creamy Pumpkin Spice Macaroni Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: 🍟 COMFORT CHAOS
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Pumpkin Spice Macaroni Bake is a comforting and delicious dish that combines the flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with cheesy macaroni. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the pumpkin mixture and stir until well coated.
5. Fold in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or sausage.
You can substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or milk if desired.
This dish can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: pumpkin, macaroni, bake, comfort food