Make This Pumpkin Bacon Mac n' Cheese Because It's Always Fall in Your Heart

Mac n' cheese is a classic. But why not spice it up with two of your favorite ingredients? Bacon and pumpkin will elevate your basic mac n' cheese and turn it into your new favorite dish. Not only is it delicious, rich, and festive, but it is so simple! Don't believe me, try it for yourself and wow your tastebuds with pumpkin bacon mac and cheese. 

Pumpkin Bacon Mac and Cheese

• Prep Time:10 mins
• Cook Time:30 mins
• Total Time:40 mins
• Servings:4
• Medium

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup onion chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 3 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 strips thick cut bacon cooked
• 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs

• Step 1

  Cook your pasta according to the package directions. Strain the water from the cooked pasta and set the pasta aside. Preheat your oven to 350° F.

  

• Step 2

  In a medium or large oven-safe Dutch oven, add a thin layer of olive oil. Then add your onions and sauté they until they start to golden. Toss in your garlic and cook for another minute.

  

• Step 3

  Melt your butter with the onion and garlic. When melted, slowly whisk in the flour. Continue cooking and whisking for a minute. Slowly mix the milk into the mixture until smooth. Continue to cook the mixture while stirring frequently until it bubbles and thickens. At this point, reduce the heat to low.

  

• Step 4

  Stir in the onion powder, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

  

• Step 5

  Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and mix in all together.

  

• Step 6

  Sprinkle the panko crumbs over top. Cover with a lid and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.