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Pumpkin and Cider Macaroni and Cheese

A recipe for Pumpkin and Cider Macaroni and Cheese! This stovetop mac and cheese is packed with crispy bacon, sage, apple cider, and three types of cheese.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bacon chopped
  • 14 fresh sage leaves
  • 1 pound (450 grams) dried medium-shaped pasta
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup (158 milliliters) apple cider
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 milliliters) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 3/4 cup (170 grams) pure pumpkin puree
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) Cheddar cheese shredded
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese diced and softened at room temperature
  • 2 ounces (57 grams) Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium low heat.
  2. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until starting the crisp and turn golden.
  3. Add the sage leaves and continue to cook until a deep green and crisp.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy bacon and sage leaves to a plate. Set aside. Keep about 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) of the bacon grease in the pan.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just tender, al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Add the flour to the 3 tablespoons (44 milliliters) bacon grease and butter in the pan. Whisk until golden.
  7. Slowly whisk in the cider, followed by the milk until all the flour is absorbed and no lumps remain. Continue to stir often until the milk thickens.
  8. Stir in the pumpkin, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  9. Once the mixture begins to bubble, remove from heat. Slowly stir in handfuls of the shredded cheese and cream cheese until smooth.
  10. Stir in half of the crispy bacon and sage, then fold in the tender pasta until evenly coated.
  11. Serve immediately with the remaining bacon and sage for garnish, along with additional black pepper and grated parmesan.