Easy Bacon Pumpkin Mac And Cheese Recipe
If you love cozy fall flavors and comforting pasta, this easy bacon pumpkin mac and cheese recipe will quickly become your favorite weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 6 cooked bacon strips chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Optional breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Boil pasta until soft.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
- Cook butter in saucepan.
- Whisk in the flour.
- Cook flour until lightly golden.
- Pour milk into the pan.
- Whisk sauce until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree and stir.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella slowly.
- Stir sauce until fully melted.
- Add garlic powder and onion powder.
- Season sauce with salt.
- Add pepper and nutmeg carefully.
- Stir in chopped bacon pieces.
- Mix pasta with the sauce.
- Transfer pasta to a dish.
- Add breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake briefly for crisp topping.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use smoked bacon for deeper flavor.
- Add extra cheddar for stronger taste.
- Add spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Use whole milk for creamier sauce.
- Avoid overcooking pasta for best texture.
- Stir cheese slowly to prevent clumping.
- Add paprika for gentle heat.