EASY Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with sautéed apples, swiss chard, bacon and cheddar cheese. Delicious and ready in under 30 minutes!
Mac and cheese lovers!!!! This one is for you!
This mac and cheese is not only filling and delicious, but it uses some of my favorite seasonal fruits and veggies!
So, I’ll be honest here .. my oldest child does not like mac and cheese. She never did and I’m not sure if she ever will. I, on the other hand, have mac and cheese flowing through my veins. I love the stuff and the cheesier, the better. My youngest, for the longest time, said she didn’t like it either because she was following her big sister .. but recently she spilled the beans and told me how much she LOVES mac and cheese, which she gobbles up at school. So, now, I secretly make Annie’s mac and cheese for Madeline.
Yes, Annie’s is her fave, (“the one with the bunny!”) along with the cheddar bunnies, fruit snacks, granola bars, pretzels, and did you know they now make chocolate chip cookies and all kinds of cookies?!
This is the fastest mac and cheese ever. And, since it’s fall, and I’m celebrating pumpkin and everything fall inspired and seasonal, I had to throw pumpkin, sautéed apples and some swiss chard in there.
And the bacon too. Can’t forget the crispy bacon bits. I love how the salty bacon compliments the slight sweetness from the pumpkin and apples.
This mac and cheese is crazy good you guys.
And this isn’t even just for the kids. This is for everyone!!! So, grab some Annie’s mac and cheese and get it going!
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 box Annie's Shells and Real Aged Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 apple peeled and diced
- 2 to 3 cups swiss chard (one bunch) leaves only, chopped
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons milk + more if needed
- cooked crispy bacon bits for garnish
Instructions
- Using a medium sized saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the shell pasta for about 8 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Using the same pan, heat the butter over medium high heat and sauté the apples for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add in the chopped swiss chard and cook until softened, for about 2 to 3 minutes and remove the apples and chard from the pan onto a clean plate.
- Using the same saucepan, add the cooked pasta, pumpkin, cheddar packet from Annie's box, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the milk. Mix together until blended and all the cheese has melted and is incorporated, over medium high heat. Add the sautéed apples and cooked chard into the pan and mix together again. Let cook for another minute. Remove from the heat and garnish with the cooked, crispy bacon bits and serve immediately. Enjoy!
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Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. I am simply supporting a brand that we love and use and helping to promote Annie’s Mix-In Mondays.
Jayne says
October 5, 2015 at 12:07 amThis looks awesome! Going to try it this week (I hope)!
hipfoodiemom says
October 5, 2015 at 6:08 amJayne!!! yes, I hope you try it!! Thank you!!
Annette @ annettesfoodpassion says
October 5, 2015 at 12:28 amWould love to give this a try, looks like the perfect easy and tasty dinner to me! One question, I think it will be difficult to find those Annie’s Shells in our part of the world, could I use normal pasta and just add more cheese….. Do you think that would work too? Love your recipes!
hipfoodiemom says
October 5, 2015 at 6:06 amHi Annette, Where do you live? But yes, regular shell pasta and more cheese would work too!!! I hope you try it! 🙂 Thank you so much!!
Annette @ annettesfoopassion says
October 5, 2015 at 10:49 amHi Alice! Many thanks for your reply. We are living in Singapore, I have seen and bought Annie’s in some organic shops here, but I don’t think I have seen any pastas from this brand. They have lots of snack versions and breakfast cereals, I’ll definitely try to hunt it down so I can make your original recipe and I will let you know how the pasta and more cheese version turned out. Greetings from Singapore 🙂
Ala says
October 5, 2015 at 2:48 amAlice, I say–YOU DO YOU. If you’re excited about this recipe, share it with the world and shout out from the rooftops! Any reader worth having will love you all the more for it and join in your excitement–or at the very least, respect your wish to do so. Don’t let an outlying naysayer change your awesome ways! Because this mac n cheese? SO worth the wait!
hipfoodiemom says
October 5, 2015 at 6:07 amThanks Ala!!! Yes, you are right!!! Thanks for the encouragement!
Linda | Brunch with Joy says
October 5, 2015 at 4:54 amYayyy! I’ve been waiting…eagerly waiting to check the recipe and so glad it’s finally here. This pumpkin mac-n-cheese looks divine and a must-make! Sorry to hear about Sharon, hope she gets a chance to check back and make this.
hipfoodiemom says
October 5, 2015 at 6:07 amLinda, hooray!! yes, you have to try this! and you are too sweet, thank you!!!
Jolena @TheRubyKitchen says
October 5, 2015 at 6:18 amAhhh I cannot wait to try this! I love sneak peeks. They’re a fun way to share in your excitement and have something to look forward to in the coming week or so. Keep on!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
October 5, 2015 at 7:04 amPersonally, I love the sneak peeks, and I do it here and there on my Instagram too. And now I am following you on Instagram, so you are up at least one follower and I bet many more! And as for adding pumpkin to mac and cheese? BRILLIANT. 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
October 5, 2015 at 7:37 amPumpkin mac ‘n cheese?! Sign me up! This sounds amazing, Alice! I would love a bowl of this today, seeing as it’s cold and dreary here. Sounds just perfect!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
October 5, 2015 at 7:52 amPumpkin mac ‘n’ cheese has been on my to-do list for this fall, and you totally just convinced me, Alice! I mean, this is speaking STRAIGHT to my pumpkin + carb-lovin’ soul. Neeeeeed!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
October 5, 2015 at 8:02 amThis is SO awesome, Alice. I’m a big mac and cheese lover and always have a couple boxes of Annie’s on hand. Love how to Fall-i-fied this!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
October 5, 2015 at 8:29 amGirl this is phenon. That bacon? YAS with the pumpkin? I bet that flavor is off the hook!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
October 5, 2015 at 8:29 amI have mac n cheese running through my veins too, Alice!! And YES, the cheesier the better! Loving the combination of flavors here- savory, slightly sweet and salty? NOM NOM all day long!! Pinned! And since one of your daughters doesn’t do the happy mac n cheese dance, feel free to send her portion my way! 😉 Cheers, girlfriend!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
October 5, 2015 at 8:45 amGRASS FED ORGANIC MAC AND CHEESE IS A THING? UMMM I so need to try this goodness, and I am loving that you added pumpkin..perfect for fall! Pinned!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
October 5, 2015 at 9:14 amPumpkin mac and cheese sounds delicious. Annie’s is simply the best when it comes to packaged foods. Love the brand!
Kelly says
October 5, 2015 at 9:32 amThis looks SO comforting and delicious, Alice! My son and husband are HUGE mac and cheese fans and would devour the entire batch in no time! Love the apple, pumpkin and swiss chard in here! So easy and perfect for fall!
Maria | Pink Patisserie says
October 5, 2015 at 10:20 amI absolutely love this gorgeous twist on mac! What a great group of flavors, chard, apples, bacon and pumpkin sound so amazing together… We’re big fan’s of Annie’s too. Love, love..
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
October 5, 2015 at 11:37 amI am loving all the creative pumpkin recipes around at the moment, but this is going in my top 5. I love pumpkin and I love mac and cheese – so well done for combining them!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
October 5, 2015 at 12:00 pmThis mac and cheese looks AMAZINGGGG! Love that you added swiss chard!
David @ Spiced says
October 5, 2015 at 12:12 pmOh wow, this looks like the perfect Autumn meal! I love mac and cheese, and I love pumpkin…so this combo would be amazing! I’ve never tried Annie’s, but I’ll keep an eye out for them next time I go to the store!
Amy @Very Culinary says
October 5, 2015 at 12:18 pmMy oldest doesn’t like Mac n Cheese either. Crazy! But I just say, more for me. LOVE this!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
October 5, 2015 at 12:46 pmI adore pumpkin mac & cheese, but yours looks especially great with those add-ins!
Zainab says
October 5, 2015 at 1:01 pmHahha I will only eat the one with the bunnies too lol! Love it!! And I love how you snuck in some greens there.
Melanie @ Gather for Bread says
October 5, 2015 at 1:52 pmWe love Annie’s at our house! I always keep at least one on hand for a quick meal. A favorite for sure.
Love the addition of yummy pumpkin here Alice!
Hope you’re having a great Monday!
Mira says
October 5, 2015 at 2:27 pmI love Annie’s products! This mac and cheese look yummy! Glad you added greens .Pinned!
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
October 5, 2015 at 2:56 pmThis pumpkin mac looks addictive! Love that you threw in those greens for a pop of color and nutrition 🙂
amanda @ fake ginger says
October 5, 2015 at 4:32 pmAnnie’s is my favorite! This recipe is seriously genius. I wish I had a box of Annie’s mac and cheese right now so I could make it!
hipfoodiemom says
October 5, 2015 at 6:36 pmAmanda, thank you so much!!!
Ben Maclain | Havocinthekitchen says
October 5, 2015 at 6:29 pmI love pumpkin mac and cheese, and I’m going to make one version this week. But I’ve never incorporated swiss chard or Apple – sounds intriguing!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
October 5, 2015 at 6:35 pmAlice, I love it! “I have mac and cheese running through my veins,” !!! Too funny! I do too though. But my younger one will not touch pasta of any kind which is just beyond me. Anyhow, I love this seasonal take on the comfort food classic! Such a great combination of flavors!
Emilie @ The Clever Carrot says
October 5, 2015 at 8:23 pmHa ha! Alice I LOVE how your youngest daughter spilled the beans and confessed to being a mac and cheese lover! Annie’s is always a great ‘go to’ and I love your pumpkin chard version!!!
hipfoodiemom says
October 5, 2015 at 8:29 pmThanks Emilie!!!
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
October 5, 2015 at 8:50 pmYou have totally taken mac and cheese to the next level! I love how quick and easy this is. My girl loves mac and cheese and pumpkin and she would go nuts for this!
Matt Robinson says
October 5, 2015 at 11:16 pmOne of the best mac and cheese ideas ever, Alice, LOVE this!
Julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
October 6, 2015 at 12:18 amOnce I discovered Annie’s Mac and Cheese, I could never go back! I love that you mixed in the healthy ingredients and I am inspired to try the same! Also your little one, how adorable! I also LOVE Mac and Cheese!
Liz says
October 6, 2015 at 10:53 amI love this jazzed up mac and cheese, Alice! Extra cheese and bacon? Sign me up!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
October 6, 2015 at 1:26 pmTHIS is my kind of mac and cheese – I love the swiss chard in there with the pumpkin!
GiGi Eats says
October 6, 2015 at 4:29 pmTHIS looks off the chain! I wonder if man-friend would like it!
Mir says
October 6, 2015 at 7:07 pmMy oldest doesn’t do mac and cheese either, unless it’s glowing orange from a cardboard box. When I do the homemade kind, he just pouts and gets angry. So sad.
I’ll eat yours anytime, Alice! Love the swiss chard. It’s such a perfect addition for both color and taste, as well as texture. Yay for more cheese!
marcie says
October 6, 2015 at 8:26 pmI love Annie’s mac ‘n cheese! It’s the only boxed brand I will buy. 🙂 I love how you gussied it up with so many delicious ingredients, Alice! I would make a meal out of this. 🙂
Kristi @ My SF Kitchen says
October 6, 2015 at 9:28 pmThis is SO creative with the pumpkin! Love it!!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
October 6, 2015 at 9:34 pmLove love love the idea of Swiss chard and pumpkin as mix-ins!
naomi says
October 7, 2015 at 12:19 amAh, I love their Mac and Cheese and so do my boys. Love your add-ins 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
October 7, 2015 at 12:45 amI’m drooling over this mac and cheese, I’ve got to try it!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
October 7, 2015 at 5:40 amThis pumpkin mac and cheese looks divine, Alice! Love the addition of crispy bacon! Yummy – this is the ultimate autumn comfort food!
Amanda says
October 7, 2015 at 9:07 amI love Mac and Cheese, and the flavors going on in here look awesome! Apple, pumpkin, and bacon? That sounds wonderful!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
October 7, 2015 at 10:39 amSuch a comforting looking pasta! And I just love the chard in there!
Nicole+~+Cooking+for+Keeps says
October 7, 2015 at 10:56 amOk, so I have a secret love for boxed mac and cheese, and I almost always doctor is up with veggies or something with a little more sustenance — so I LOVE this!!!
Manali@CookWithManali says
October 7, 2015 at 5:54 pmthis looks so delicious Alice, bring on the pumpkin!!
Melissa | Bits of Umami says
October 22, 2015 at 7:44 pmOkay. So many good things happening here. When I saw thid recipe my jaw literally dropped. Couldn’t wait for the page to load – Had to know did you have cubes of pumpkin in your mac and cheese? Did you blend it with the cheese? Ahhhhh I got so impatient. Haha. Loving this so much and it just kept getting better. Chard. Bacon. Pumpkin. C’mon. You actually outdid yourself here. Too good!
Lauren Gaskill says
November 2, 2016 at 1:22 pmTHIS. Fall mac and cheese heaven!! Pinned and can’t wait to make soon. <3
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
November 3, 2016 at 8:04 pmLove the apple in there, so much extra flavor!
DessertForTwo says
November 4, 2016 at 2:55 pmSo fun!
Maggie says
September 2, 2017 at 6:51 pmJust found this recipe today off of your Instagram! I made it for dinner and it was fabulous! Thanks for sharing!
hipfoodiemom says
September 2, 2017 at 7:38 pmWow, that was fast!!! I love it!!! I’m so happy you loved it!