Description
Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of this Stovetop Pumpkin Mac and Cheese recipe. The combination of savory pumpkin puree and sharp cheddar cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats every bite of al dente macaroni. Topped with a crunchy brown butter panko mixture, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
For the brown butter panko topping:
- 3 tbsp butter, cut into tablespoon pieces
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the mac and cheese:
- 16 oz large elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups milk, room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the brown butter panko topping: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat until foamy. Add sage leaves and stir in panko until moistened. Toast for 30 seconds. Remove from heat, mix in Parmesan, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, whisk in flour, mustard, and garlic powder. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until sauce thickens. Stir in pumpkin purée, then add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Combine and serve: Add drained pasta to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if desired. Spoon into bowls and top with brown butter panko mixture. Serve warm.
Notes
- For best results, grate cheese fresh—it melts smoother in the sauce.
- Variation: swap sage for thyme in the topping for a different flavor twist in your stovetop pumpkin mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
