Spinach, Bacon and Pumpkin Mac & Cheese

With a creamy pumpkin sauce, crispy bacon, a boost of veggies, and a crunchy Crounons topping, this recipe has it all.
Ingredients: 
  • 8 oz dried pasta
  • 2 tbsp Carrington Farms Organic Ghee, divided
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 small shallots, sliced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½  tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree

 

For the Crounon topping: 

 

Directions: 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375° F. 

  2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and then place in a large bowl. 

  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of Carrington Farms Organic Ghee in a large pot set over medium heat. Chop the bacon and add it to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bacon is crispy and golden brown. Add the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes more, just until wilted. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and spinach from the pot and add it to the bowl with the pasta. 

  4. Add the remaining tablespoon of Carrington Farms Organic Ghee to the pot along with the sliced shallots, chopped garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until shallots begin to soften and then stir in the dijon mustard. Cook for 1 more minute.

  5. Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. While continuing to whisk, gradually stream in the milk and broth. Cook, stirring continually, for 3-4 more minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and begins to simmer. 

  6. Stir in the shredded cheese and cook until completely melted. Add the salt, pepper, and pumpkin stir until smooth. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper if needed. 

  7. Pour the pumpkin cheese sauce into the bowl with the pasta, bacon, and spinach and stir to coat. Transfer to a 8x8” or 11x9” baking dish. 

  8. To make the crounon topping, smash Carrington Farms Organic Garlic and Parmesan Crounons and place in a bowl with the parmesan cheese. Melt Carrington Farms Organic Ghee and add it to the Crounons. Stir to coat. 

  9. Sprinkle the Crounons on top of the macaroni and cheese and bake for 15 minutes, until golden brown and sauce is bubbly. Serve immediately.