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Cheese, glorious cheese!
Is there anything better than a nice hot, cheesey mac and cheese?
Not in my world there isn't!!
So when I saw that Sunday Supper and AmFam were sponsoring a Cheesy recipe event. Well you know I jumped on board in a flash!
Couple that with my new found obsession.....PUMPKIN
and it is a perfect dish for me.
Oh, I know I am not original in my love for pumpkin, but it is a new thing for me this year. So of course I have to use it in just about everything I can squeeze that pumpkiny goodness into!!
My kids have grown and moved to their own place, but once a week we will try to have a family dinner. It is our time to catch up on each others lives, get advice, give support, or just laugh with (or sometimes at) each other.
The whole family loves pumpkin, however, they were not on board with this dish at all!! In fact I think they all thought I had stripped a gear when I told them this was what was for dinner.
Now the girls I could understand, but Kevin? I mean had he not just loved the Stuffed Pumpkin I made? There was cheese in that.
Helloooooo
That is OK. I made them all eat their words err doubts, and go back for seconds!!
Did you know that AmFam and Sunday Supper both share a desire to inspire families to return to the family table?
So many of us are wrapped up in our hectic lives that we don't take a moment to decompress and reconnect with the family. Having family dinners around the table gives us all that opportunity. Turn off our devices, disconnect from the outside world, and enjoy some good food and great company!
Are you looking for some great dishes to serve at your family table? Check out AmFam's Pintrest board for some fantastic family meal ideas! You can also follow American Family Insurance through their Twitter and Facebook to be updated with more great recipes.
3 Cheese Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
8 ounces elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped (seperated)
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups fat free evaporated milk, warmed
2 cups white cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup fontina cheese, grated
1 cup canned pumpkin
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup seasoned panko bread crumbs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large pot, boil the pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and reserve.
In a medium pot, over medium heat, melt the butter. Once the butter has melted add the garlic and 1 teaspoon rosemary leaves. Stir and cook for a minute. Then whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture has a butty aroma, about 4 minutes.
Whisking constantly, slowly add the warmed milk. Cook, continuing to whisk along the bottom of the pan until boiling, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese, one cup at a time, stirring constantly until completely melted. Once cheese sauce is smooth stir in the pumpkin. Combine with the cooked pasta. Pour mixture into a casserole dish.
Combine panko, Parmesan, and the other teaspoon of rosemary. Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese. Place in the oven.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Makes 4 side dish servings or 2 main dish servings.
COOKING TIP - When making a cheese sauce, like the one above, you want to make sure you cook your roux until it is a light golden brown.
Once the milk had been added and your sauce reaches the desired thickness, remove the pan from the heat and stir the cheese into the sauce in small amounts amounts until completely incorporated before adding more cheese. This keeps your cheese sauce from becoming grainy. You can also toss harder cheeses, like cheddar, with some corn starch before adding it to the sauce. Corn starch helps reduce clumping.
ENJOY!!
Now check out more great recipe from our fabulous Sunday Supper contributors.
Cheesy Sunday Supper Recipes:
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup by Chocolate Moosey
- Fettucine Pumpkin Cauli-fredo by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Cheeseburger Chowder by Magnolia Days
- Three Cheese Lasagna with Meat Sauce by Webicurean
- Japanese Grilled Cheese & Kale Salad by NinjaBaking.com
- Cheesy Ham and Potato Bake by Country Girl in the Village
- Spinach Feta Greek Impossible Pie by Shockingly Delicious
- Cheesy Vegetarian Enchilada Soup by Curious Cuisiniere
- Steakhouse Bacon Alfredo Pasta by Juanita’s Cocina
- 3 Cheese Pumpkin Mac and Cheese by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Cheddar Popcorn Soup by MarocMama
- Broccoli, Mushroom & Cheese Strata by Momma’s Meals
- Chili Relleno Casserole by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- French Onion and Apple Soup by Supper for a Steal
- Cheesy Italian Sausage & Kale Quiche by girlichef
- Lighter Stove-top Mac and Cheese by Alida’s Kitchen
- Cheddar Potato Dumpling Soup by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Prosciutto, Chevre & Radish Toasted Sandwich by Foxes Love Lemons
- Cheesesteak Poutine by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Roasted Tomatoes and Broccoli Rabe Flatbread Pizza by Family Foodie
And don’t forget, our eCookbook featuring many of our favorite recipes will be coming out just in time for the Holidays.
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here ? Sunday Supper Movement.
This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own.
The Ninja Baker
Yummy! Fontina cheese is divine and your sopshisticated mac 'n cheese looks and sounds heavenly, Bobbi! Nice touch with the panko, too =)
Renee
I'm certain this mac and cheese would get me liking pumpkin too (I'm not normally a fan). It's true how cheese makes everything better!
Lane
Oh yummy. I'm coming around to pumpkin this year! I want to try this!
Family Foodie
In my world... there is nothing better than a great mac and cheese. Love the addition of the pumpkin. Very clever!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
I love mixing cheeses too, Bobbi!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious
I laughed out loud with your comment "stripped a gear." !!!
Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Yeah, I wouldn't be able to tell my family there was pumpkin in this, but I DO think they'd love it and come back for seconds AND thirds!!!
Heather S-G
I love Pumpkin Mac n Cheese...but I've never actually made it at home. I need to change that, because your pics have my mouth watering!
Shannon @VillageGirlBlog
I have to try pumpkin mac and cheese! This sounds wonderful!! I love the cheeses and the rosemary. Yum!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals
Never thought about combining these two lovelies in a dish! How genius!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Bobbi, you and I were thinking in a similar way this week! And I've made butternut squash mac & cheese, so I'll have to try adding pumpkin!
Eat To Live
I haven't ever tried any kind of cheese with my pumpkin. I love my pumpkin dishes and Hubs loves his cheese. Maybe we can marry the two flavors together in our house too.
Unknown
Wow I have NEVER heard of anything like this! I am so trying it! Pumpkin and Mac and cheese yes please! Wonder if my kids and husband will like it?
Unknown
I made pumpkin mac and cheese once a while back and now after seeing this, I have a serious craving for it
Tough Cookie Mommy
I've never tried pumpkin mac and cheese but I'm sure that it tastes great, especially if it contains three different types of cheeses. I definitely have to try this recipe for the holidays.
ANNIE M
Holy yumminess in one post! For someone that needs to start cooking more, these recipes will come in handy!
Masshole Mommy
I'm drooling over here. I am also in love with pumpkin and come on - who doesn't love mac & cheese. This sounds absolutely delicious and I can not wait to try this one myself.
Rachee
This looks so good! My kid has a dairy allergy but the next time she is at her dad's house I am going to have at it!
Jen @JuanitasCocina
You had me at pumpkin. <3
Amberlee
I never thought of using pumpkin in mac and cheese. It sounds and looks pretty darn good! I will have to try it out! thanks!
Foodie Stuntman
Glad you were able to convince a skeptical family. Looks delicious!
Melanie Payne
This looks really great! I've used pumpkin once in another kind of dish, but not mac and cheese I'll have to try it.
Ashley Gill
I always wished that my family could do a Sunday Supper with my parents... It just never stuck.. we were able to all meet once a month though, usually at Pizza Hut. It is a big hope for my family that when my children get older they will make an effort to visit their dear old parents for a weekly supper. I'm so glad your children enjoyed this dish. It sounds different, but really good.
Pam
I had never thought about adding pumpkin to mac and cheese but that looks so tasty! I bet it added a whole new twist.
mail4rosey
I saw this on Twitter and had to come take a look. This looks scrumdillyumptious!
Carla
I love using pumpkin in savory dishes as much as sweets, and this mac and cheese is calling my name!
Unknown
Not sure how I feel about putting pumpkin in mac n cheese but will have to try it.
Katherine Bartlett
This sounds so interesting. YUM!
Amanda Ripsam
We just moved into our first place together in april and we still dont have a table yet to have the family eat at. We eat in the living room like salavages lol
Pam
I am a little hesitant about the whole pumpkin with mac and cheese thing but I will give anything a try once. It sure looks delicious and I do love pumpkin.
Anonymous
I have never thought to put pumpkin in Mac n Cheese, I am curious though so I will try it.
Unknown
Mmm, that looks great. I bet it's warm and delicious for these cold evenings! Such comfort food! Thank you for sharing x
The AnnMarie John
I've never heard of a pumpkin mac and cheese before. I just told hubby about it and he said "we gotta make that". 🙂 Thanks for the recipe.
Sarah | Curious Cuisiniere
I don't think I've had pumpkin with cheese yet. But it is totally on my to do list now!
Alida
What a lovely mac and cheese - I love that you added pumpkin and made this on the healthier side. Looks delicious!
Dawn
I LOVE mac n cheese and I'm sure it is delicious with the addition of pumpkin. I recently made a rice pilaf with pumpkin and it was so good. I was really surprised but glad I tried it. I have seen others talking about mac n cheese with pumpkin. Now I want to try it.
SwagCrazyOak
I love Mac and cheese but never thought about adding pumpkin to it. This looks like something worth trying.
Unknown
Sneaking in the pumpkin anywhere we can in the fall, right? This is a genius recipe and I'm sure it's delicious.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Thanks 🙂 I am so glad you like it!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Since I have begun to "dabble" in pumpkin this year, I am realizing that in small amounts, pumpkin just adds a nice earthy flavor.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I hope you do Lane!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Agreed Isabel!! I am glad you like the pumpkin twist too!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Makes you feel like a cheesy mad scientist LOL
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Hehe laughing is good too!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
It will be our little secret Liz!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
So gad you like it Heather!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I thought the rosemary would work well with the kind of earthy flavor the pumpkin adds. We really enjoyed it.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Thanks Tammi!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Great minds think a like!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I hope you give it a try Terry!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Just don't tell him there is pumpkin and see what he says after he tries it!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I had never tried it before, but it sounded so good I had to come up with something.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I hope you do 🙂
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Glad you like them and sure hope you give them a try!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
So glad you like it!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Yes, have some mommy me time!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Hehehe good to meet another pumpkin lover Jen!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I hope you do give it a try Amberlee
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Hehe I can be pretty convincing when I want to be!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I am loving my new discovery of how versatile pumpkin really is!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I love our weekly dinners. It was hard when they all moved out. Now I get my family time again.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
It added a whole new depth of flavor!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
So glad you popped over for a look!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I am realizing that pumpkin is not just for dessert anymore!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Have faith in me Karen 🙂
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Thanks Katherine!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Oh I remember those days!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
I just jumped in feet first!! I hope you do give it a try Pam
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
So glad I could peek your curiosity
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
You are welcome Viccy I am glad you liked it!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
So glad your hubby was on board for the get go with it!!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Once we had the stuffed pumpkin I knew I had to give this a try!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Thanks so much Alida!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Oh the rice pilaf sounds wonderful Dawn!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
It really is Margaret. I hope you give it a shot.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Oh yes, pumpkin is going in just about everything right now!!
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons
I'm drooling over this, Bobby! I just started planning my Thanksgiving menu, and I've been wanting to do a mac and cheese. This would be so appropriate for the occasion!
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
Oh yes!! It would be perfect!! I hope you give it a try Lori!
Anne @ Webicurean
This sounds like perfection! I love the way pumpkin makes pasta sauce extra creamy, yum!