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Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese for Cozy Fall Evenings

Delight in the creamy, seasonal flavors of Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese, perfect for cozy gatherings and chilly evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Macaroni
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree or squash puree
  • 1 cup gruyere cheddar cheese or cheddar and Swiss mix
  • 1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese or milder blue cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Topping
  • 1 cup bread crumbs gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup additional cheddar for topping
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or dried if fresh is unavailable
For the Apples
  • 2 cups apples cut into 1-inch chunks; firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, simmer heavy cream. Gradually whisk in gruyere, gorgonzola, and parmesan cheeses along with pumpkin puree until creamy, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the diced apples for 4-5 minutes until softened, seasoning with salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pepper.
  5. Gently fold the sautéed apples into the mac and cheese mixture.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish, pour in the pasta mixture, sprinkle breadcrumbs, additional cheddar, and rosemary on top.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye to avoid overbaking.
  8. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Apple Three Cheese Mac and Cheese!

Notes

This dish can be served alongside a green salad and is perfect for gatherings. Adjust baking time if doubling the recipe.