Creamy Pumpkin Mac and Cheese Recipe with Lager Beer

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With pumpkin season in full force, the time is just right for this creamy pumpkin mac and cheese.

With sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese and autumnal pumpkin flavor, this pasta dish is so heavenly!

But what really takes it over the top is the lager beer. It adds an earthy, hoppy flavor that’s just perfect for fall. 

Imagine rich, cheesy cheddar fondue, with the subtle addition of pumpkin. And pasta. Oh yeah.

This is the ultimate comfort food on its own, and makes an amazing side dish for your Thanksgiving table! 

What’s in this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Here is what you’ll need to make this uber-cozy fall meal:

• Short-cut pasta 
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Quality lager beer
• Milk. Whole milk will yield the richest result, but you can use any kind of milk in this recipe. 
• Pure pumpkin puree
• Garlic
• Butter
• Dry mustard. Also called ground mustard, it’s like Dijon mustard in powder form.

How to Make Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

Cook the Pasta

Boil and drain your short-cut pasta according to the package directions for al dente and set it aside. 

Make the Sauce

Traditional fondue starts with garlic and either wine or beer, and that’s exactly how we’re making this pumpkin cheese sauce. 

First, make a roux with the butter, garlic and flour. Once the roux starts to bubble, pour in the beer and milk and get it sizzling. 

Then, stir in the dry mustard and pumpkin. 

The sharp cheddar and cream cheese go in last. 

It should only take a minute or two to get a smooth, creamy consistency. Once you do, it’s time to toss your cooked pasta into the creamy sauce.

Bake the Pasta

This is an optional step. You can absolutely serve it directly from the stove top. 

Baking it for 10 or 15 minutes just sets the dish and allows the top to develop a yummy, golden brown “crust” without actually using any bread crumbs. If you do this extra step, go ahead and sprinkle more grated cheddar over top before baking. It will come out cheesy and perfect! 

What type of beer to use in this recipe

The beer you choose matters! A quality lager is important because it adds so much flavor, but don’t go crazy with expensive ones. 

My favorites for this homemade pumpkin mac are Samuel Adams and Yuengling. They lend a hoppy, earthy flavor to the cheese sauce without being overpowering.

That said, if you are a beer lover, you might have fun with a darker beer like Guinness. The darker the beer, the more you’re going to taste it in this dish. 

What type of pasta to use for Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Classic elbow macaroni noodles are always a good option, and check out these other fun pasta shapes if you want a twist on the traditional:

1. Cavatappi: This spiral-shaped pasta offers a playful twist on the classic mac and cheese. Its nooks and crannies allow the sauce to nestle in, delivering an awesome texture.
2. Pumpkin-Shaped Pasta: For an extra touch of festivity, try using pumpkin pasta. These little pumpkins not only fit thematically but also add a fun element to the dish.
3. Pipette: These are like elbows, but a little fancier. My current favorite pasta shape. 

What kind of cheese to use for this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

For the boldest cheese taste, use the sharpest cheddar you can find. My favorite is Cabot. 

It doesn’t matter if it’s white or yellow cheddar, but the yellow kind helps to boost the vibrant flavor of this dish. 

And whenever possible, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese, although convenient, has an added anti-clumping agent which makes it harder to melt smoothly. 

Variations

1. Give it a Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to give your mac and cheese a spicy twist. The heat complements the creamy, savory elements of the dish.
2. Bacon Lovers Special: For a smoky, savory dimension, stir some crispy bacon into the cheese sauce and crumble more bacon over the top. The salty bacon pairs nicely with the sweet pumpkin and beer-infused cheese sauce.
3. Add Seasonal Herbs: Create more earthy dimension by adding fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or sage. These herbs provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the sauce.

How to Store Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

Place any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to store it for an extended period, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bags. For best results, be sure to squeeze as much air out of the container as possible. Your pumpkin pasta can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover pumpkin mac and cheese, reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the texture looks too thick, you can add a splash of milk to help bring back its creaminess.

When you make this pumpkin mac and cheese recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy! 

For more creamy pasta recipes, try these:

• Spicy Cajun Alfredo Recipe
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta (Easy Crockpot Recipe)
• Easy Cream Blush Sauce (Pink Pasta Sauce Recipe)

For more pumpkin recipes, try these:

• Creamy Pumpkin Spice Martini
• Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
• Burrata Toast Appetizer with Fig Syrup, Pumpkin Butter and Sage