Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with a Fiery Kick

Spicy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Today I’m excited to share one of my favorite fall recipes with a twist! This Spicy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food dish for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. The combination of creamy pumpkin, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice will surely impress your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 300g pumpkin puree
• 200g cheddar cheese, shredded
• 250g elbow pasta
• 1 jalapeno, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 500ml milk
• 50g flour
• 50g butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Kitchen Tools:

• saucepan
• whisk
• baking dish
• oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Cook the elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic and diced jalapeno. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Add the flour to the saucepan and whisk continuously to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Allow the mixture to thicken before adding the pumpkin puree, cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine the cooked pasta with the pumpkin cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!

The total weight of the cooked dish is approximately 1200g, with 6 servings. Each serving is around 200g, and has an estimated calorie count of 400 calories.

One unique tip for this recipe is to top the mac and cheese with crispy bacon crumbs for an added crunch and savory flavor.

I hope you give this Spicy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese a try and make it your own with your favorite toppings or extra spice. Enjoy!