Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

A delicious and creamy mac and cheese with pumpkin, cheddar, and parmesan, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

By @ambitiouskitchen

Original recipe source

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 0 salt
• 0 pepper
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden brown.
5. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Stir in 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce and stir until well coated.
9. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs over the top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy. Serve hot.