Bella's Belly Blog

Bring the flavors of fall to your table with this Holiday Pumpkin Mac & Cheese! Creamy, rich, and bursting with seasonal goodness, this dish combines the comforting warmth of mac & cheese with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect as an appetizer for holiday gatherings or a standout side dish for your Thanksgiving feast, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.

Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or cozying up with loved ones, this pumpkin-packed dish is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious—it’s everything we love about the holidays in one bowl!

Yields: 3-4 servings (recipe can easily be doubled)

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ lb gluten-free pasta (I used brown rice quinoa pasta)
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, chopped 
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (or fresh pumpkin)
• ½ cup milk (lactose-free works great!)
• 1 cup preferred cheese (I used a mix of gruyere, feta, and brie)
• 1 tbsp Earth Balance or butter
• 2 tbsp gluten free flour 
• Fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Fresh thyme, finely chopped
• ½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for topping)
• Salt & pepper to taste 
• Dash of paprika (optional) 

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
2. Sauté: In a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan, melt the Earth Balance or butter over medium heat. Add the shallot, garlic, and jalapeño, then sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
   
3. Create the sauce: Stir in the pumpkin purée, milk, flour, and a pinch of fresh rosemary and thyme. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring until smooth and creamy.
   
4. Add the cheese: Gradually add the cheese mixture, stirring until it melts into a rich, creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
   
5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the pumpkin-cheese sauce.
   
6. Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix the gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with olive oil and a pinch of fresh rosemary. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac & cheese.
   
7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bake the mac & cheese for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
   
8. Garnish and serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
   

Pro Tip: For a smoky twist, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the breadcrumb topping before baking!

Enjoy this cozy, seasonal dish as an appetizer, side, or even a main course. It’s the ultimate comfort food for the holidays!