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–+ servings
Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

Creamy Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Bliss

This Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese combines comforting richness with unexpected sweetness for a perfect autumn 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: 590
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree or butternut squash puree
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheddar cheese or sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 cup Gorgonzola cheese omit for milder taste
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese or any hard cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Topping
  • 1 cup bread crumbs or panko for extra crispiness
  • 1/2 cup additional cheddar for topping optional
For the Apples
  • 2 cups apples (cut into 1-inch chunks) tart varieties like Granny Smith
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary or thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon freshly grated preferred
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated preferred
For Cooking
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for sautéing

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Colander
  • large saucepan
  • medium skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large saucepan, gently simmer the heavy cream until bubbling. Stir in the cheeses and pumpkin puree until melted and creamy.
  3. Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté apples for 4-5 minutes until softened. Season with salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper.
  5. Fold the sautéed apples into the macaroni and cheese mixture.
  6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish, pour in the macaroni and cheese, and top with breadcrumbs and additional cheese.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 590kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 500mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

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