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A serving bowl of Pumpkin Mac n Cheese with bacon on top and a spoon stuck in it and a pumpkin behind the bowl.

Baked Pumpkin Mac n Cheese with Bacon

Rich and creamy macaroni and cheese is made with a sauce of two cheeses and pumpkin then topped off with a buttery breadcrumb mixture and plenty of crispy bacon.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 36 minutes
Total Time: 51 minutes
Author: Hezzi-D

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. San Giorgio® Elbow Macaroni
  • 8 slices bacon
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 c. whole milk
  • 3/4 c. chicken broth
  • 15 oz. pumpkin puree
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese shredded
  • 6 oz. cream cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons butter melted
  • 1/2 c. breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 c. shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat on the stove. 
  • Add the San Giorgio® Elbow Macaroni and cook for 6 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta then pour into a 9 x 13 baking dish.
  • While the macaroni is cooking place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.  Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the bacon has browned on both sides.  Remove from the skillet and transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
  • Remove all but one tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet.   Add the garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and saute over medium heat for 1 minute.
  • Add the flour to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly until the flour begins to brown, for 1 minute.
  • Slowly add the milk and chicken broth, whisking until incorporated into the flour. Cook for 2 minutes.
  • Add the pumpkin, salt, pepper, and nutmeg and mix until combined.  Heat for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Reduce heat to low and add in the cheddar cheese and cream cheese.  Mix until the cheeses have melted and are incorporated into the milk mixture.  This should take 2-4 minutes.
  • Pour the cheese mixture over top of the elbow noodles in the baking dish and mix well to combine.
  • In a small bowl combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and butter.  Mix until well combined. Sprinkle over top of the macaroni and cheese.
  • At this point you can cover with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.   Bake the
    macaroni and cheese for 15-20 minutes if you just made it or for 20-25 minutes if it was refrigerated.
  • Remove from oven and top with the crumbled bacon.

Notes

A Hezzi-D Original recipes