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Home » recipes » Dinner » Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

40 minutes
pumpkin
Posted:12/9/22
Updated:12/9/22
Jump to Recipe

Homemade pumpkin mac and cheese made with pumpkin puree and shredded cheddar cheese. This easy baked pumpkin mac is the ultimate comfort food with a total cook time of 30 minutes!

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with crispy top.

Few American dishes are better known than traditional macaroni and cheese. It’s an easy recipe we all know and love.

So if you’re excited about pumpkin spice and all things pumpkin in the fall months (or year round), you’ll love this creamy pumpkin mac. Each bite is filled with tender elbow noodles covered in a creamy cheese sauce with pumpkin flavor. It’s rich, savory, and slightly sweet with a touch of spice!

The Best Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe 

Pumpkin mac and cheese is the perfect mac for pumpkin lovers, but most importantly for mac and cheese lovers. The pumpkin cheese sauce contains pumpkin puree, shredded cheddar cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. The top is crispy because who doesn’t love crunchy elbow noodles covered in melted cheese? Yum!

To note because I know not everyone is a pumpkin lover, my husband isn’t a big pumpkin fan, but he happily eats this dish because the pumpkin taste is subtle. So if you want a dinner that will make everyone happy – try this recipe!

pumpkin mac and cheese closeup

Homemade pumpkin puree will make it extra special (and great for saving those pumpkins!), but if you’re looking to save time, a can from the grocery store works too.

can of pumpkin puree.

How to Make Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Make elbow pasta, drain, and place in baking dish.

elbow pasta in baking dish.

In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour and then add milk. Bring to a simmer until thickened. Stir in salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and mustard.

Next, add in the pure pumpkin puree and cheese. Stir until melted.

pumpkin cheese sauce in saucepan.

Pour the cheese mixture on top of the pasta in baking dish and mix to fully coat the noodles.

cheesy pumpkin mac and cheese in baking dish.

Bake, remove, serve, and enjoy your creamy mac!

golden brown baked mac and cheese.

Storing/Reheating Leftovers 

Refrigerate: Store leftover pumpkin macaroni in an airtight container and in the refrigerator. If stored properly, homemade pumpkin mac and cheese can last up to three to four days.

Reheat: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place the pumpkin mac and cheese baking dish into the oven when preheated and bake for 20 minutes. You may take it out sooner or later if you notice it begins to bubble.

pumpkin mac and cheese in baking dish with some scooped out.

What Cheese Goes Well With Pumpkin?

For this pumpkin mac and cheese, I suggest going with classic cheddar cheese (shredded is best) so you don’t lose the classic flavor of a traditional mac and cheese dish. As always, I think thick cut shredded cheese melts the best!

shredded cheese in yellow bowl.

What Pasta Do I Use For Homemade Macaroni and Cheese?

For this recipe, I use a classic elbow macaroni. However, you can use a shell or bowtie pasta if you already have them on hand. You can also use cavatappi, which is a type of macaroni known for having lined dips or ridges along the noodle. Whichever you choose, the flavor is in the sauce!

Can I Add Breadcrumbs on Top?

Yes, before baking you can add panko bread crumbs to the top of your mac and cheese once it’s inside the baking dish and before it goes into the oven. This will give it another element of texture—each bite includes an extra crunch. However, I prefer to keep this dish as is since there is already a lot of grain included in the noodles!

fork going into mac and cheese to eat it.

More Delicious Pumpkin Recipes

If you can’t get enough pumpkin flavor, check out the other pumpkin-based recipes on Brooklyn Farm Girl. There are plenty to choose from!

  • Pumpkin Cookies
  • Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
  • Pumpkin Dump Cake
  • Pumpkin Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
  • Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

Pin for later: 

Homemade pumpkin mac and cheese made with pumpkin puree and shredded cheddar cheese. This easy pumpkin mac is the ultimate comfort food with a total cook time of 30 minutes!
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Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Print
Homemade pumpkin mac and cheese made with pumpkin puree and shredded cheddar cheese. This easy baked pumpkin mac is the ultimate comfort food with a total cook time of 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
serves 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Make elbow macaroni according to the package. Drain pasta and pour into a 9×9 baking dish.
  • In a medium size saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Stir in milk, a little at a time and continue to whisk until thickened. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and mustard and stir.
  • Add in pumpkin puree and shredded cheese, stirring until cheese is completely melted.
  • Pour pumpkin cheese sauce on top of pasta in the baking dish, stirring to completely coat the noodles.
  • Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown. Enjoy!

Video:

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 293kcal (15%)
Course:Main Course
Cuisine:American
Keyword:pumpkin mac and cheese
Did you make this?I love seeing what you’ve made! Tag me on Instagram at @BrooklynFarmGirl and don’t forget to leave a comment & rating below.

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  • Pumpkin Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
  • Broccoli Mac and Cheese
  • How to Make Pumpkin Puree

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  1. Teresa says

    September 25, 2013 at 12:42 am

    I can’t wait to make this! It will be the perfect, unexpected, addition to our fall party! Is the baking dish you use a 9×9 or 13×9, want to make sure I get it right!;)
    Thanks!!

    Reply
  2. Peter @ Feed Your Soul Too says

    September 20, 2013 at 6:45 pm

    I think adding the pumpkin to this family favorite raises it to a whole new level. I featured it on my Friday Five – Pumpkin addition over @ Feed Your Soul Too – http://www.feedyoursoul2.com/2013/09/friday-five-pumpkin-addition.html

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 21, 2013 at 8:13 pm

      So nice of you, thanks so much Peter! Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Gloria @ Simply Gloria says

    September 19, 2013 at 4:15 pm

    I squeal at the sight of when Halloween has arrived at the craft stores and everywhere, too! I think it’s my favorite holiday….besides Christmas, and of course my bday! (hehe)
    I love what you did with this mac and cheese, Pamela! You’re so creative!
    I was actually thinking of you this past weekend while I was canning (bushels!) of tomatoes and salsa. (=
    Pinning!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 19, 2013 at 7:59 pm

      I totally agree about the best 3 holidays! Well my birthday instead of yours, but you get the idea! Hope that canning went great, yum! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kristina says

    September 18, 2013 at 1:55 pm

    Can canned pumpkin be used?

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 18, 2013 at 3:07 pm

      It sure can! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jocelyn @ BruCrew Life says

    September 15, 2013 at 11:32 pm

    Pumpkin in mac n cheese??! I totally just died!! Holy yum!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 16, 2013 at 4:51 pm

      Enjoy Jocelyn!

      Reply
  6. Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says

    September 14, 2013 at 2:45 pm

    We love mac ‘n cheese – and this is a super interesting twist! I can’t wait to try this! I wish I could grow a pumpkin, but they’d never stand a chance. I kill any and all plants!
    And I’m pretty sure fall is on it’s way! We had 2 days this week in the 90s, and today I’m not sure if we are going to see 60 degrees! It’s coming!! Yay! Fall is my most favorite ever!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 14, 2013 at 8:50 pm

      Thanks Gretchen! This is one of my favorite pumpkin recipes! We are definitely feeling Fall today, I’m sitting here with a blanket on!

      Reply
  7. Megan {Country Cleaver} says

    September 12, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    This is speaking to me on a primal level or something – because pumpkin and mac and cheese are like my spirit foods. I am a goner!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 12, 2013 at 11:23 pm

      I love that you described them as spirit foods, enjoy Megan! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Lindsay @ Life, Love and Sugar says

    September 12, 2013 at 4:12 pm

    What a great idea! This sounds delicious!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 12, 2013 at 5:34 pm

      Thanks Lindsay!

      Reply
  9. Emily from Reaching Beyond My Reach says

    September 11, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    This sounds absolutely intriguing. I’m going to have to give it a spin. I can’t wait! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 11, 2013 at 8:01 pm

      Enjoy Emily!

      Reply
  10. [email protected] says

    September 11, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    Looks so rich and cheesy! This is going on my to make list for sure. I am so ready for fall, but winter doesn’t ever need to come 🙂

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 11, 2013 at 8:02 pm

      Winter is Coming! (Game of Thrones fan?). Enjoy Christin!

      Reply
  11. Billie says

    September 11, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Such an excellent idea! I love mac & cheese, can’t wait to try it with some pumpkin, thanks!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 11, 2013 at 11:24 am

      Enjoy Billie!

      Reply
  12. Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says

    September 11, 2013 at 9:17 am

    Savory pumpkin – yum, yum! 🙂

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 11, 2013 at 10:42 am

      Thanks Jennifer! I agree! 😉

      Reply
  13. Ash-foodfashionparty says

    September 10, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    I have my teen sitting right next to me and he is excited to make this one. Great recipe Pamela, and your pictures are so beautiful

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 8:44 pm

      Super awesome news, enjoy this mac and cheese!

      Reply
  14. veganmiam says

    September 10, 2013 at 4:10 pm

    You’re a genius, Pamela! These pumpkin puree provide a lovely orange color to the mac and cheeze, and I would love to make a vegan version of that. Your recipe is very easy to veganize! Thank you for sharing this awesome idea!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 6:11 pm

      Enjoy! Let me know how it turns out veganized! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Kammie @ Sensual Appeal says

    September 10, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    OMG Genius!!!! Pumpkin rocks but in combination with mac & cheese?! Excuse me, miss Genius. I loveee it!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 6:05 pm

      Thanks Kammie! I’m a total mac and cheese aholic, but this pumpkin just shakes it up and makes it even better!

      Reply
  16. Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says

    September 10, 2013 at 2:09 pm

    This dish might be the soul reason why I love pumpkin season so much!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 6:04 pm

      Enjoy Nicole! I think it’s a great dish that can make people fall in love with pumpkin!

      Reply
  17. Kelly Senyei | Just a Taste says

    September 10, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    This looks so spectacular! Love this twist on my all-time favorite food and can’t wait to make your recipe this weekend. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 6:03 pm

      Let me know how you like it Kelly, enjoy!

      Reply
  18. Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com says

    September 10, 2013 at 8:12 am

    Woa – what an incredibly amazingly original recipe! My daughter loves Mac n cheese – what a nice way to sneak in some vitamins into it – thank you so much for sharing this! Oh by the way, here in Georgia, I saw Christmas decorations on display at Costco- I think they skipped halloween 🙁

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 6:00 pm

      Woah, Christmas decorations! I have one store here that leaves them up all year to buy, I kinda love the idea because I love snowmen, but they can’t skip over Halloween! Enjoy this macaroni and cheese Shashi!

      Reply
  19. Juliana says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:39 pm

    Great idea, pumpkin in mac and cheese…love the color and the flavor…yum!
    Thanks for the recipe Pamela and have a wonderful week ahead 😀

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 1:01 am

      Thanks Juliana! Have a great one yourself!

      Reply
  20. Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    I love your pumpkin enthusiasm! And I am salivating at the thought of this macaroni & cheese with a fall twist. I love this season too!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 1:00 am

      Thanks Amanda, it truly is my favorite time of the year!

      Reply
  21. Stephanie says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:15 pm

    Oh my! I am totally making this for dinner this week. I can a massive amount of pumpkin puree in my friend that needs to find its way into my belly asap

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 1:00 am

      Enjoy Stephanie! Get that pumpkin in your belly!

      Reply
  22. Tessa @ Feral Kitchen says

    September 9, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    What an interesting version of mac and cheese! Looks creamy and delicious. Brilliant idea Pamela!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:59 am

      Thanks Tessa!

      Reply
  23. The Squishy Monster says

    September 9, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    This is incredible! Keep those pumpkin recipes comin’! I’m all about it. Love the nutritional boost of this decadent mac and cheese…wish I had kids so I could fool ’em =)

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:59 am

      I know, I love the idea of fooling kids with pumpkin.. it’s one of the things I look forward to most! 😉

      Reply
  24. Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    Oh pumpkin inisde the mac and cheese! So comforting and delicious. For some reason pumpkin and pasta are very much alike but go so well together!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:59 am

      I totally agree Paula, I love the combination!

      Reply
  25. Julie @ Table for Two says

    September 9, 2013 at 9:48 pm

    Totally my kind of comfort food!!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:58 am

      Enjoy Julie!

      Reply
  26. Christina (Sisters Running the Kitchen) says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    I love how easy this is to make! thanks for sharing. love me some pumpkin flavored everything.

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:58 am

      Thanks Christina! Enjoy!

      Reply
  27. Koko says

    September 9, 2013 at 8:21 pm

    You are a geniussssssssss! What a great way to add one of my favourite things…that happens to be a VEGETABLE to macaroni and cheese! I will absolutely without a doubt be making this at some point this Fall! Keep the pumpkin coming!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:58 am

      Thanks Koko! If you’re on board, the pumpkin will continue!

      Reply
  28. Ashley Bee (Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine) says

    September 9, 2013 at 7:20 pm

    Oh wow, I can’t even believe I’ve never tried putting pumpkin in mac and cheese! You’ve inspired me, now I need to!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:57 am

      Ashley, I love your icon picture – made me smile! Enjoy!

      Reply
  29. Debra says

    September 9, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    This is the second great mac’n cheese recipe I have seen today. The pumpkin outs it on top though. Love it!

    Reply
    • Pamela says

      September 10, 2013 at 12:56 am

      Thanks Debra! Pumpkin always adds points! 😉

      Reply
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Hi! I'm Pamela, an artist Mom who shares family recipes. My farm is a 1,000 sq ft apartment in NYC. Let's make dinner together.

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