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–+ servings
Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

Cozy Up with Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese, combining creamy pumpkin, tart apples, and a blend of cheeses for a delightful fall dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheddar cheese can substitute regular cheddar
  • 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese can swap for blue cheese or omit
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
  • 1 cup heavy cream half-and-half or whole milk as lighter option
For the Topping
  • 1 cup bread crumbs panko for extra crunch, gluten-free optional
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
For Flavor
  • 1 tbsp rosemary can substitute with thyme or sage
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
For the Apples
  • 2 cups apples (cut into 1-inch chunks) tart varieties like Granny Smith preferred

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and pumpkin puree over medium heat, stirring until simmering. Gradually add Gruyere, Gorgonzola, and Parmesan cheeses until melted into a smooth sauce, about 5 minutes. Mix with drained pasta.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add apple chunks and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and caramelized. Season with salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix into pasta and cheese.
  4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pour pasta mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs, remaining cheese, and fresh rosemary on top.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 16gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating before baking. Use panko for a crunchier topping and choose tart apples for balance.

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