I have this thing for “mini” dishes. Like the not that convenient to make most recipes in and you I usually end up using other dishes as well because what you made really fits in a much bigger pan? Those dishes. Dishes that are perfect for this Mac and Cheese dish I made. And not just any ordinary Mac and Cheese. Panko crusted with pumpkin and goat cheese.
I actually cut my recipe in half to make it so I would just make enough for my two new little dishes. I was considering calling this ” Panko Crusted Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Mac and Cheese for two”. But then I realized not many people might have these little dishes and make in a bigger pan and actually portion it out to maybe 4 servings. And it made for a really long title. So I left off the ” for two”. Because that really shortened it, huh?
I spied these dishes at Homegoods several times but they were always in red or blue so when I saw them in the kiwi green, I had to have them. They match my Dutch/French oven I have from Le Crueset. I also had made this mac and cheese dish a while ago but I didn’t like the way it looked when photographed. No offense to all my glass pyrex baking dishes but they just aren’t as pretty as colored ceramic ones. So I am slowly replacing mine. Slowly. So for now these are my only colored/non glass bakeware and you will probably see a lot of them in future posts. Unless Le Crueset wants to sponsor me…..
This mac and cheese is surprisingly “light” for a typical rich, comfort type meal. Most mac and cheese dishes I have had or made in the past either have 12 different cheeses in them ( at that point can one even tell the difference between which cheese is which?) to ones with bacon, lobster ( uhhhhhh so so good) to a variety of other ingredients. I actually made this one night when it was one of those ” I need to make dinner but I need to go to the grocery store more so lets just make something with whatever is in my fridge” nights. So I happened to have some leftover gruyere, a container of creamy goat cheese and some pumpkin puree leftover from a batch of pancakes I had made for my kids. Just the pumpkin was in the pancakes, not the cheese. Although cottage cheese makes for some super yummy pancakes. I should make some of those soon.
Anyway I thought these sounded unusual for ingredients for a mac and cheese dish but they came out so good! The pumpkin isn’t too strong and the mellowness of the goat cheese and gruyere work really well together. Plush the panko gives it that nice crunch which I love about baked mac and cheese.
- 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces creamy goat cheese
- ¾ c shredded gruyere cheese
- 1 cup panko
- ⅔ cup freshly shredded parmesan
- Salt and pepper
- Spray two 4” x 4” mini baking dishes or one 8×8 baking dish with olive oil spray and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350 deg f
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until just al dente, drain and place in a large bowl
- In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and mix until a paste forms then slowly add the milk a little at a time, whisking constantly keeping the mixture thick. Keep adding and once all the milk is added whisk until it’s the consistency of pudding. About 7 min. Add in the pumpkin, goat cheese, gruyere, salt and pepper and mix well. Pour into the bowl with the macaroni and mix until well combined. Spread the mixture evenly between the two dishes or in the one dish.
- In a small bowl combine the panko and parmesan and some freshly ground pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the tops of the baking dishes or dish.
- Bake for 25-30 min or until the tops are golden brown and pasta is bubbly. If the tops are browning too quickly, cover the pans with foil. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
I had to stop eating it before I made sure I had enough pictures. Then I realized a pic of the dish half eaten would be good. And I forgot to take it. oops
I love panko. I don’t know what I did before I knew what it was. I guess I just rarely used breadcrumbs. This looks amazing. I love goat cheese although I’ve never had it in mac-n-cheese before so this is something I’ll have to try soon.
Christy @ My Invisible Crown recently posted…Shrimp and Avocado Summer Rolls
I have never been a fan of using traditional breadcrumbs on anything and when I discovered panko it was like a miracle happened. ha ha. I love panko, it stays so crunchy when regular breadcrumbs tend to get soggy
I am obsessed with goat cheese and gruyere. Plus I love mini dishes too, but I hardly use them since I am always making huge batches of food.
fabiola@notjustbaked recently posted…Green Curry with Pork, Peas, Eggplant,and Bell Peppers over Quinoa
That’s how I am. I have very large glass baking dishes and rarely use the small ones but since these are my first colored dishes I really wanted to use them. I really want to get more- everyone needs more color in their lives!!
What a great combination! I love goat cheese and haven’t thought to put it in mac & cheese. Sounds amazing.
Thanks! I hadn’t either but it seemed like the right thing to do at the time and I am glad I made it. I love goat cheese too
me oh my YES. goat cheese is a tangy creamy dream. a dream which i would like to dream soon. I’ll swap you these for some nutella bars, yes? freeze and mail? :]
kelly @ kellybakes recently posted…Nutella Shortbread Bars for #SundaySupper
You got it!!
Mmm, Mac n cheese, I love it,but my daughter hates lt
ya gotta love the lobster versions 
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious recently posted…Homemade French Baguettes
Uhhhh how does a KID not like mac and cheese? Actually my 4 year old isn’t the biggest fan of it. She’s all about plain noodles. Weirdo
Ummm…sounds delish to me. I’ve had those nights; have often said my fridge is my inspiration!
Barbara | Creative Culinary recently posted…Bananas Foster Crepes with Vanilla Ice Cream
I think some of the best recipes are made that way – clear out the fridge recipes
Good grief this looks incredible!!!!
Alexa recently posted…Moments of Motherhood – "What’s a ‘Jina?"
Thanks!
Shanna, it’s official. I’m coming over to your house for dinner…every night when I’m too pooped to cook after baking and recipe testing. Your Mac & Cheese looks so comforting and delish…yum! Thanks for sharing…as I must make this. The hunger pangs and cravings have already commenced! xoxo
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen recently posted…Cookie Butter Snickerdoodles
ha ha ha I will make dinner if you make dessert like that bourbon caramel bananas foster you were talking about making
Oh honestly panko makes everything better doesn’t it? This macaroni and cheese looks so warming and tasty. I like that you used goat cheese too! Happy Weekend!
Raquel recently posted…Dollar Store Valentine’s Tablescape
Thanks Raquel!! Happy weekend to you too!
Total comfort food – this sounds amazing!
Aggie recently posted…Banana and Coconut Butter Smoothie