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Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese: Fall's Cozy Delight

Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese combines creamy pumpkin, tart apples, and three cheeses for a perfect autumn comfort food.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces uncooked macaroni elbow pasta High-quality pasta recommended.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree Butternut squash puree can be a substitute.
  • 1 cup gruyere cheddar cheese Swap in sharp cheddar if preferred.
  • 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese Can substitute with blue cheese or omit.
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese Pecorino Romano works well as a substitute.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Avoid low-fat substitutions for best texture.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup bread crumbs Panko recommended for extra crunch.
  • 1/2 cup additional cheddar To top for added cheesiness.
For the Flavoring
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary Can substitute with thyme or sage.
  • 2 apples cut into 1-inch chunks Granny Smith is highly recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Opt for sea or kosher salt.
  • 1 teaspoon pepper Freshly cracked is preferred.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Optional for a more savory profile.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg Use ground or freshly grated.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with butter.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium Saucepan
  • large skillet
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the uncooked macaroni elbow pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a medium saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream over low heat. Gradually add the gruyere, gorgonzola, parmesan, and pumpkin puree, stirring continuously until smooth.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped apples for about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Add the cooked macaroni to the creamy cheese sauce, stirring until well-coated. Gently fold in the sautéed apples.
  5. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Pour the mixture into the dish, top with breadcrumbs and additional cheddar, sprinkle with rosemary.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For extra flavor, mix some grated cheese into the breadcrumbs before topping. You can assemble the dish a day in advance; just refrigerate and adjust baking time.

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