Best Cheesy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
The best form of macaroni and cheese you can imagine is in front of you. It's quick, easy, and so much better than the box kind.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese shredded (for best results, don't use bagged kind already shredded)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- Optional toppings: Whole wheat bread crumbs parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot or dutch oven, bring salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan melt butter over medium low heat, stirring frequently. Stir in flour until mixed in and thickens. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously while doing so. Break up any clumps that form and work them into the sauce.
- Once sauce is smooth, add cheddar cheese and pumpkin to milk and butter mixture. Increase heat to medium and continue using whisk until cheese is melted completely.
- Pour cheese sauce over pasta and mix until pasta is evenly coated with cheese.
- Serve with a sprinkle of whole wheat bread crumbs and parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Trial and Eater