Halloween Mac and Cheese
A spooktacular twist on classic mac and cheese, with creamy pumpkin and cheesy goodness served in whimsical pumpkin bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup canned pure pumpkin
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Add milk gradually, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Combine cheese and pumpkin: Stir in cheddar and fold in pumpkin once melted.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce, stirring until coated.
- Transfer to bowls: Scoop mac and cheese into pumpkin bowls or shallow dishes.
- Bake (Optional): Sprinkle cheese on top and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
- Garnish & enjoy: Finish with fresh herbs or cracker crumbs for texture.
- Plate awesomely: Garnish with parsley or fun eyeball candies.
Notes
This dish is perfect for Halloween gatherings or cozy family nights. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Halloween, mac and cheese, pumpkin, comfort food, festive dish