Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese
Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese is Autumn in a casserole dish! These flavors though...out of this world!
Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese is Autumn in a casserole dish! These flavors though...out of this world!
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 8 slices bacon:
- 4 cups elbow macaroni cooked according to package instructions:
- 4 tablespoons butter:
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour:
- 1 tablespoon salt:
- 1 tablespoon pepper:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder:
- 1 1/2 cups 2% milk (i love friendly farms brand):
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream:
- 2 cups shredded fontina cheese:
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin:
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped. (plus more for garnish)
- Carbohydrate 18.784056500194 g
- Cholesterol 1.10000000140161 mg
- Fat 0.978915000537119 g
- Fiber 0.880615009965916 g
- Protein 3.77332150063521 g
- Saturated Fat 0.33564875029803 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (27g)
- Sodium 40.2345812743775 mg
- Sugar 17.9034414902281 g
- Trans Fat 0.16656431253397 g
- Calories 101 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400F. Place bacon on a foil lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until very crispy. Allow to drain on a paper towel and then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- When done with the bacon, switch the oven to 350F.
- In a medium/large saucepan heat the butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder and stir (constantly) to combine.
- Pour in the milk and cream slowly, whisking constantly while you add. Allow to thicken, continuing to stir, until bubbly.
- Add in the cheese one cup at a time, stirring to melt before adding the second cup. Stir in the pumpkin and sage.
- Remove from the heat and pour over the cooked pasta, stirring to combine. Stir in the bacon crumbles, reserving some for garnish if desired.
- In a separate small bowl, combine panko, parmesan, and olive oil.
- Pour the macaroni into a large baking dish, pressing down slightly with your spoon to make the top level.
- Pour the panko mixture over the noodles, covering the entire top. Sprinkle with extra sage if desired.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden and toasted.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with extra bacon if you're feeling sassy.
- Enjoy!
My Cozy Autumn Escape: Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese
Autumn has always been my favorite time of year. The crisp air, the changing leaves, the cozy nights spent indoors – it’s the perfect backdrop for comfort food, and nothing screams autumn comfort quite like a warm, cheesy casserole. This year, I decided to elevate the classic mac and cheese with a delightful twist: pumpkin and bacon. The result? A symphony of flavors that’s both familiar and exciting, a perfect blend of sweet and savory that will leave you wanting more.
The initial idea came to me while I was browsing through old family recipe books. My grandmother, a true culinary artist, had a knack for creating unexpected flavor combinations. While I don't have her exact recipe for pumpkin mac and cheese, the inspiration sparked a creative fire in me. I started experimenting with different ingredients, playing around with the spices, and the final product far surpassed my expectations. The salty crunch of the bacon perfectly complements the creamy sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a dynamic duo that dances on your taste buds. The rich, velvety cheese sauce is the perfect vehicle for these star ingredients, binding them together in a harmonious embrace.
I love how versatile this dish is. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking, adding more or less sage depending on your preference. I also like to experiment with different types of cheese. Fontina works beautifully, but you could also use Gruyere, cheddar, or even a blend for a more complex flavor profile. The beauty of cooking is the ability to personalize recipes to reflect your own unique taste. And don't even get me started on the presentation! A sprinkle of extra bacon on top adds a touch of rustic charm and elevates the dish from a simple casserole to a true culinary masterpiece.
This recipe isn't just about the taste; it's about the experience. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy autumn evening, curled up on the sofa with a good book and a warm bowl of this deliciousness. It's a dish that brings people together, a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a quiet night in. It’s the kind of food that makes you feel nurtured and loved, a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, despite the sophisticated taste. Even a novice cook can master this recipe, and the reward is a dish that's guaranteed to impress.
Beyond the simple act of cooking, there’s something deeply satisfying about creating something delicious from scratch. It's a way to connect with tradition, to honor the culinary legacies of those who came before us. It’s a chance to express creativity and share that joy with others. This Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of autumn, a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary, and a reminder of the warmth and comfort that good food can bring.
So, gather your ingredients, put on some cozy music, and let the magic of autumn fill your kitchen. Prepare for a culinary adventure that will leave you feeling nourished, comforted, and deeply satisfied. This Pumpkin Bacon Mac & Cheese is more than just a meal; it's an autumnal embrace in a bowl.
