Pumpkin Mac n' Cheese

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It’s Thanksgiving week! What does that mean for you? Getting on a plane, driving in a car…cooking a turkey or tofurkey, preparing yourself for family convos, either in your home or in someone else’s? Godspeed on that last one.

Whatever Thanksgiving means for you, my guess is it involves cooking. And if it’s you that’s doing all the cooking or even just responsible for a side, and if there’s a chance you’re not prepared and need something last minute (a lot of us if we’re being honest), let me introduce you to this Pumpkin Mac n’ Cheese. It’s so creamy and full of flavor and a total crowd-pleaser. And in the case that you’re not in a total rush, it’s amazing with the sage breadcrumbs on top, or even with a little salty pancetta mixed in. You do you, in the kitchen and out, even when Uncle Harry brings up politics and pandemics.

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for being here. <3

What You'll Need

Serves 8 as a side

Medium pasta shells - 1 pound

Butter - 4 Tablespoons

Flour - 4 Tablespoons

Milk - 2 cups

Pumpkin purée - 1, 14.5 ounce can

Garlic powder - 1 teaspoon

Dry mustard - 1 teaspoon

Salt and pepper

Shredded mild or sharp cheddar - 2 cups

For the breadcrumb topping (optional):

Panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup

Butter, melted - 2 tablespoons

Fresh sage - 3 leaves, chopped

What You'll Do

1. Cook pasta in a large stock pot or Dutch oven according to box directions, drain and set aside, reserving about a 1/2 cup of starchy water.

2. After pasta has cooked (using the same pot) melt butter and add flour, whisking to combine.

3. Cook flour and butter mixture for about a minute, then slowly add in milk, whisking to remove any clumps.

4. Turn heat up a bit and let thicken, until it coats the back of a spoon.

5. Reduce heat and add in seasonings and pumpkin.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Stir in cheese and if too thick, add in some starchy cooking water.

8. Add cooked pasta and stir to combine.

9. Eat! Or follow a few more steps to make crunchy buttery breadcrumb topping…

10. Melt butter in small saucepan.

11. Add breadcrumbs and sage and stir to coat.

12. Let mixture cook about 3 minutes, until toasty.

13. You can now serve the Mac in a casserole with the breadcrumbs sprinkled all over, or serve as a DIY sitch.

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