October 10, 2008

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese


For the October issue, Gourmet magazine is featuring restaurants that have been going strong since before the magazine's debut. Along with the stories, they included old photographs of the restaurants and customers. As someone who appreciates photography and art, I can say that the photos are amazing. They made me think of an old time where the classics were being made. Whether they be classic tunes or classic dishes. One dish that I can think of that has stayed relatively the same is macaroni and cheese. It is a staple that children live on and come to appreciate when they are older. Here's an autumn twist on a classic dish....

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

2 cups pumpkin puree

½ cup milk

¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan

1 cup cheddar cheese

½ cup grated mozzarella cheese

¼ tsp ground mustard

½ tsp. worchestire sauce

¼ tsp ground red pepper (Optional: Just for a little kick)

To taste Salt and pepper

10 oz. choice of small pasta (I used ruffles )

1/3 cup bread crumbs


  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Boil pasta according to package directions to al dente.
  3. Mix breadcrumbs with 2 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese. Add enough to water to keep it crumbly but able to clump together. (about 1 ½ tsp.)
  4. Heat pumpkin puree in a medium saucepan over medium to high heat.
  5. Add milk and thoroughly combine.
  6. Turn heat down to low. Add ¼ cup parmesan cheese, ½ cup cheddar cheese, and the mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted into pumpkin mixture.
  7. Add mustard, worchestire sauce, red pepper(if using),and salt & pepper.
  8. Mix pumpkin sauce with drained pasta until thoroughly combined. Mix in rest of cheddar cheese. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
  9. Separate pasta among 4 ramekins.
  10. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture on top and place in oven.
  11. Bake for 10 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  12. Take out of oven, let cool, and enjoy.
Note: You can play with the different cheeses, just make sure they are easy melting cheeses.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

I may try this. I do a similar version of this already using butternut squash instead of pumpkin. It only changes the flavor slightly, keeps the cheese creamy, and I love the idea of hiding veggies in a kid's favorite food! (I stole the squash idea from Rachael Ray, btw.)

Rachael Hutchings said...

This sounds wonderful. I've been on a pumpkin kick all week long. I may have to add this to the list of pumpkin recipes to make. Thanks!

Unknown said...

Ok I need to try this!!

I have been looking for a good Mc and Cheese to had to my "cookbook" but everyone I have tried so far is bland and I haven't like it!

test it comm said...

I like the sound of adding pumpkin to mac and cheese!

Cheese Mac said...

This is a new one to me. Sounds delicious.

Anonymous said...

I really like your savory twist on this recipe! It is a classic, indeed :). I'd love to feature your recipe on our blog. Please email me if you're interested.

Sophie, Key Ingredient Chief Blogger
sophie@keyingredient.com

Anonymous said...

This was obviously posted a year ago, but I just came across it and made it tonight! Fall is upon us, and this is a little bite of heaven...

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