Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a healthier alternative to the known calorie-rich snack. With this recipe, you’ll get more nutrients than before. No more hesitations when it comes to cooking some for your children, right?
Are you worried that the huge pumpkin you bought on sale from the market will go to waste? Here’s a solution - mix it into your favorite mac and cheese!
Jump to:
I know you might be wondering if the taste will complement well with each other. But I assure you that you’re gonna love it. Now you can enjoy some good movie night with your friends while eating some of this healthy snack.
Ingredients and substitute
Some good pureed pumpkin is what will make this recipe unique. There are many ways to make them, but the easiest step requires the use of a blender or food processor. If either of them isn’t available, you can use a fork to mash the pumpkin until you achieve a creamy consistency.
You don’t have to mince some garlic for this dish, garlic powder will do. There is no specific brand needed for you to use. The leftover of this ingredient can be used for your future recipes.
Don’t forget the salt and pepper. They are very important as they provide enough flavor for every recipe. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
We’re gonna need that rich buttery flavor so don’t forget about the butter. We’re gonna use it instead of cooking oil. It will also add a lot of flavor to the overall taste of the dish.
Milk to level up the creaminess. This is gonna make the dish even better!
Of course, the good old cheese! Use some shredded cheese so they can melt easier. Just put enough amount while cooking. But if you are a dedicated cheese lover, feel free to add more cautiously.
Any brand of macaroni will work. If you want to play around and experiment, you can use different shapes of pasta too. To make it more fun for kids to eat.
How to Make Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Get a small pot then fill it with some water. Boil the sliced pumpkin and wait until it becomes soft. Another way is to roast the pumpkin in the oven. When they are cooked, let them cool for a while before putting in a blender. Use the blender until the consistency becomes smooth and creamy.
Bring another pot to boil salted water. Use it to cook the macaroni for about 8 minutes or until al dente.
Melt the butter in a saucepan. Then pour the milk and the pureed pumpkin. Season the mixture with some garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the cup of shredded cheese, then put the cooked pasta next. Stir them until the cheese melts and combines well with the macaroni. Serve them and enjoy with your family and friends.
How to make ahead
Make-ahead meals are very practical for busy moms. You can prepare the food in advance before you do its final cooking. They are perfect during busy days.
The secret is to let everything cool down for the pumpkin mac & cheese make-ahead meal. This is applicable to both the pasta and the sauce. The pasta should be undercooked, cooled, and rinsed. Then cool the sauce for about 30 minutes. After that, store them for a while and serve when a hectic day arrives.
Related Post
Recipe
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups pureed pumpkin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt plus more if desire
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 300 g macaroni
Instructions
- In a small pot with water, boil the pumpkin until just tender. Alternatively, you can roast the pumpkin in the oven. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly then process in a blender until smooth and creamy.
- Bring a pot of boiling salted water and cook the macaroni for 8 minutes or until al dente.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter then pour the milk and pumpkin puree. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Add 1 cup shredded cheese and cooked pasta. Stir until well combined. Serve and enjoy.
Leave a Reply