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Home » Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Created On: November 5, 2019  |  Updated: February 24, 2023  |   10 Comments

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I tossed a pumpkin in the pressure cooker the other day, wanting to make basic butternut squash soup (I use pumpkin in that recipe, too) but I ran out of time. Then it was a few days later and I didn’t want soup.

I wanted mac and cheese! So here we have some pumpkin mac and cheese.

Don’t have any pumpkin on hand? I’ve also got this recipe for sweet potato mac and cheese! I wouldn’t call either recipe exactly healthy, but some added veggies is always a good thing.

If you have picky eaters, you can still make this. You can’t taste the pumpkin and it doesn’t look any different than regular macaroni and cheese. I used white cheddar so if you use the regular orange stuff, this pumpkin mac and cheese will be even more orange.

I’ve made this with whole milk for my husband and also with almond milk for myself (because I can have cheese and butter but not plain cow milk). It worked just as well! It also works well with goat milk / butter / cheese.

I also made my version with gluten-free macaroni and cassava flour for the roux. There are so many kinds of grain-free pasta out there and I’m sure you could use whatever grain-free noodles you’d like. As long as you think it’d taste good with this cheesy pumpkin sauce! 

If you don’t have cassava flour and need it to be gluten-free, a 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Mix also works. And of course, white whole wheat and all-purpose flour work for a non-gluten-free version.

Pumpkin not your thing? Try this amazing-looking baked bacon macaroni and cheese recipe!

That’s it! I’d love to hear what you think about this pumpkin mac and cheese if you try it.

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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Course Side
Servings 6 servings
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Easy pumpkin mac and cheese! Can be made whole wheat or gluten-free.

Ingredients
  

  • 375 grams whole grain, gluten-free or grain-free macaroni (about 3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon (21 grams) white whole wheat, all-purpose flour, a 1-to-1 Gluten-free Baking Mix or 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons cassava flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk plus more as needed
  • 1 cup (240 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) aged cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheeses - I like using about 2 ounces Pecorino Romano) grated or thinly sliced

Instructions

  • Put a large pot of water on to boil. Once it starts to boil, add a generous amount of salt and add the pasta. Cook for the recommended amount of time and then drain and set aside until ready to use.
  • in a small pot, melt the butter over medium low heat. Stir in the flour and whisk while cooking for 2 minutes. Add the milk and pumpkin and whisk while cooking until thickened. Add the salt, garlic powder and cheese and reduce the heat to low. Once the cheese has melted, stir well. Add macaroni to the sauce. Thin with a splash of extra milk and season with extra salt if needed and serve while still hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, make sure to use GF flour and GF noodles.
This stores really well in the fridge. To enjoy as leftovers, add a splash of milk while you’re heating it up to loosen up the sauce.
Tried this recipe?Tag me today! Mention @easywholesome or tag #easywholesome!

posted in: Cheese, Dairy, Dinner, Gluten-free, Grain-free, Kid-friendly, Lunch, Pasta, Side

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Pumpkin Pudding
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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Stacey Crawford says

    My son will love this version of mac & cheese!

    Reply
  2. Raia Todd says

    My kids love pumpkin in their mac and cheese! Great recipe! 🙂

    Reply
  3. Zuzana says

    This was the best comfort food I had in a long time

    Reply
  4. Mirlene says

    THIS IS A MUST TRY. My kids will love this recipe. I have never had pumpkin Mac and Cheese but i cannot wait to try this recipe. Great Job!

    Reply
  5. Sharee Thornberry says

    This is the perfect time of the year for pumpkin. And any time is perfect for mac n cheese. I have not used cassava flour. Nor have I had gluten free macaroni. Looks like I am going to spend time on Google ordering 2 more new ingredients to try. Thanks.

    Reply
  6. Charlotte Moore says

    I would never have thought about putting pumpkin in mac and cheese.

    Reply
  7. ChihYu says

    The pumpkin makes this mac & cheese so good! Creamy and with lots of flavor!

    Reply
  8. Don Baiocchi says

    Any time is a good time for mac and cheese but the pumpkin! Such a great idea!

    Reply
  9. jenna urben says

    OMG this looks amazing! Sooo creamy and rich 🙂 I can’t wait to try this. Just gotta grab some cassava flour.

    Reply
  10. Noelle says

    Wow I love that you added pumpkin to such a simple recipe! Great idea

    Reply

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