• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

cait's plate

  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • FOOD PHILOSOPHY
    • FITNESS PHILOSPHY
  • RECIPES
    • BREAKFAST & BRUNCH
    • LUNCH
    • DINNER
    • SNACKS & SIDES
    • DESSERT
    • THE BASICS
  • NUTRITION
    • INTUITIVE EATING SERIES
    • NUTRITION TOPICS
    • POPULAR DIETS
  • MEAL IDEAS
    • WORK WEEK DINNER PLANS
    • MEAL PREP
    • LUNCHBOXES
  • MOTHERHOOD
    • TODDLER FEEDING
    • PREGNANCY
    • BABY
  • FREE RESOURCES
  • NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
  • CONTACT
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts

10 · Nov 11, 2016 · 2 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

creamy baked pumpkin mac and cheese is combined with roasted brussel sprouts for a delicious fall meal the entire family will love!

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts - a delicious, autumnal twist on a classic // cait's plate

This weekend my sister and I were craving comfort food with a healthier twist and came up with this!

If the name alone doesn’t sell you on just how delicious this is, I’ll just let you in on this little tidbit: I’ve eaten this for dinner 3 out of the 4 nights since we made it.  And for all of you out there thinking pumpkin and brussel sprouts don’t go well together, I’m here to tell you that they definitely do.

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts - a delicious, autumnal twist on a classic // cait's plate

In fact, this could be a nice addition to the Thanksgiving table.  It combines two classic items into a warm, creamy and delicious single dish.  Regardless of when you decide to make it though, it will be fully enjoyed – I can promise you that.

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts - a delicious, autumnal twist on a classic // cait's plate

The pumpkin and brussel sprout combination take mac and cheese to the next level and put an perfect autumnal twist on a favorite meal!  I also love that it provides an excuse to squeeze a little extra nutrition into a classic comfort food dish.  Pumpkins are rich in nutrients like vitamin A and potassium while brussel sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C, fiber and folate.

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts - a delicious, autumnal twist on a classic // cait's plate

We used whole grain pasta to bump up the fiber in the dish as well so you can be sure that this dish will hold you over.  Although to be honest, I almost wish it didn’t do such a good job filling you up because it’s so delicious you just want to eat more as soon as your bowl is empty!  But that’s another nice thing about this dish – it reheats well and makes at least 6 servings so you can enjoy it all week long!

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts - a delicious, autumnal twist on a classic // cait's plate

Print
clock clock icon cutlery cutlery icon flag flag icon folder folder icon instagram instagram icon pinterest pinterest icon facebook facebook icon print print icon squares squares icon heart heart icon heart solid heart solid icon
baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts - a delicious, autumnal twist on a classic // cait's plate

baked pumpkin mac and cheese with roasted brussel sprouts

  • Author: Cait
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Category: dinner
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

creamy baked pumpkin mac and cheese is combined with roasted brussel sprouts for a delicious fall meal the entire family will love!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box whole wheat pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup white cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • Dash of ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups brussels sprouts, sliced in quarters
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

For the Brussel Sprouts:

  1. Toss brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast at
  2. 400 degrees F for 15 minutes

For the Mac & Cheese:

  1. Turn oven down to 375 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9×13 baking pan
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions
  3. Melt the butter in a medium pot over medium heat. As soon as it begins
  4. to brown, add the flour and whisk for 1 minute
  5. Slowly whisk in the milk
  6. Continue whisking as you add the pumpkin and cheeses. Whisk in nutmeg,
  7. salt and pepper.
  8. Drain the pasta and return it to its pot. Add the cheese sauce to the
  9. pasta and toss to coat.
  10. Stir in roasted brussels sprouts
  11. Transfer pasta to prepared pan and top with panko
  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is very bubbly and panko is
  13. lightly browned on top.

Keywords: pumpkin mac and cheese, mac and cheese, pumpkin, dinner, vegetarian

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @caitsplate on Instagram and hashtag it #caitsplate

Recipe Card powered byTasty Recipes
10

Related posts:

pumpkin streusel bread // cait's platepumpkin streusel bread whole grain pumpkin apple streusel muffins // cait's platewhole grain pumpkin apple streusel muffins easy roasted vegetable pizza // cait's plateeasy roasted vegetable pizza baked pear crumb doughnuts // cait's platebaked pear crumb doughnuts roasted greek chickpeas & orzo bowl // cait's plateroasted greek chickpeas & orzo bowl peach crisp baked oatmeal // cait's platepeach crisp baked oatmeal

DINNER, FALL FAVORITES, MEATLESS, QUICK & EASY, VEGETARIAN, WHOLE GRAIN

please note: items in these posts may contain affiliate links which simply means I earn a small amount of money if you click on them (at no additional cost to you).  this money is always re-invested in cait’s plate so I can continue to create free content to you!

Popular Posts

  • 4-ingredient green smoothie (681)
  • peanut butter and jelly waffle sandwich (363)
  • black bean, corn, sweet potato & farro bowl (with creamy avocado yogurt sauce) (212)

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kelly says

    Sep. 11th, 2017 at 4:35 pm

    This looks incredible. Hard to tell how big your serving is? 1/2 cup? 1 cup?

    Reply
    • Cait says

      Sep. 13th, 2017 at 1:21 pm

      Hey Kelly! I don’t measure my food but I would estimate I probably eat 1-1.5 cups at a time if I’m having nothing else with the meal (aka a side salad, etc.). But the serving size that’s right for you might be different from mine so I definitely encourage you to do what’s works best for you! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆
Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

hello and welcome!

i’m cait, a registered dietitian and mom. i believe in a realistic approach to wellness. on this site you'll find easy recipes, nutrition content, motherhood tips and more! read more →

my approach to toddler feeding // cait's plate
cait's plate non-restrictive nutrition guide
free favorite recipes ebook
cait's plate newsletter sign-up
the big book of baked oatmeal // cait's plate

Footer

let’s connect on instagram!

hear me out. I know we've been taught to celebrat hear me out.  I know we've been taught to celebrate things like weight loss, toned muscles, beauty procedures that help us look younger...but here's why I always caution against putting so much focus on appearance:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
bodies change.  weight fluctuates. skin sags and wrinkles.  hair grays.  these are all part of the natural process (& privilege) of aging.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we live in a society that promotes this backward idea that our appearance should remain stable despite years passing.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
rather than internalizing the false idea that we need always be reaching backward and working to re-obtain what once was, allow your body to showcase the beautiful signs that you were given yet another day to walk this earth.  another chance to pursue your passion and purpose...both of which are so much more important than how you look.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
to anyone that needs this reminder today: you are not your body.  your worth and well-being is not dependent on your appearance.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidietculture #nondietapproach #antidietdietitian #intuitiveeatingjourney #youareworthy
tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili tweaked my slow cooker turkey, bean & veggie chili this past week to make it meatless and it was 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
here’s how I did it:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (I used a mixture)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 (28-oz.) can diced tomatoes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1  15-oz. can kidney beans, rinsed and drained⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 1/2 cups veggie broth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 teaspoons chili powder (+/- as desired)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1-2 sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into 2 inch cubes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Salt & pepper, to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2-4 tbsp. olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 cups cooked quinoa⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
place everything but the quinoa into a slow cooker & place on HIGH for 4 hours.  Stir in cooked quinoa & add additional salt / pepper / spices to taste.  top with your favorite toppings (I love cheese, avocado, yogurt & hot sauce).⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
this chili is great right away (even better after a day to marinate in the fridge) and is an easy make-ahead meal you can enjoy all week!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #chilirecipe #vegetarianrecipe #vegetrianmeal #vegetarianmealprep #slowcooker #slowercookermeals #crockpotrecipes
what's a diet culture rule you've never quite unde what's a diet culture rule you've never quite understood?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
for me it was definitely the "don't eat after 6pm" rule 🤔
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
hunger and digestion are not run by the clock.  there are so many factors that can go into why we feel hungry from one moment to the next, and that feeling of hunger is always valid and should be honored, regardless of the time of day.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
similarly, there are no 'right' or 'wrong' times to eat a meal.  breakfast, lunch and dinner are not bound to specific windows of time.  each can be eaten whenever you & your body deem it appropriate.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
hope this reaches anyone who might need these reminders today ❤️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #antidietdietitian #mindsetmatters #allfoodsfit #edwarriors #rdchat #dietitiansofinstagram #healthateverysize #dietculturedropout #nondietdietitian #antidietculture #antidietrevolution #intuitiveeatingjourney
these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make f these greek spinach & feta turkey meatballs make for a super simple weeknight meal.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I'm partial to serving them over some couscous or quinoa, slathering them in tzatziki sauce then adding some fresh cucumbers, red onions, tomatoes & pita bread.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
but you can really serve them up in whatever way you like best!  done in 35 minutes and makes enough to eat for several meals 🙌🏼⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
grab the recipe on @caitsplate (link in bio): https://caitsplate.com/greek-spinach-feta-turkey-meatballs/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #dinnerrecipes #dinnerathome #easydinner #easymeals #thefeedfeed #f52community #huffposttaste #recipeideas
just to add a little perspective around the messag just to add a little perspective around the messaging that’s out there telling us all how to “lose the COVID 15...”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
let's reframe the fear mongering language around weight gain during this pandemic as a sign of privilege.  having enough, at a time where so many have lost so much, should be looked at as nothing but a positive.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
our bodies are meant to shift and change with different seasons of life.  using food as one way to cope with hard emotions is completely common and part of a peaceful relationship with food.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
we are in unprecedented times.  seeking self-comfort and care in whatever way works for you is OKAY.  having gained weight during this pandemic is OKAY and not something you need to be jumping to 'fix' or 'correct.' and most importantly, it's okay to reframe comfort eating to something you can be grateful for, a coping skill you have the privilege and opportunity to enjoy, rather than berating yourself for it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
sending everyone a great big virtual hug today 🤍⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatenutrition #caitsplate #nondietapproach #antidietdietitian #antidietculture #intuitiveeatingjourney #intuitiveeating #nondietdietitian #youareenough #youareworthy
another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ another favorite from the archives!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
this veggie sushi grain bowl takes all your favorite flavors from a veggie sushi roll and deconstructs it into an easy lunch.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
finished off with an Asian ginger vinaigrette, it will definitely be a meal you make time and time again.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
here’s what you need: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
for the grain bowl:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 cups cooked rice⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 cup steamed shelled edamame⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 cups carrots, peeled & cut into ribbons (you can also shredded or thinly slice them)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/2 cup cucumbers, thinly sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1 avocado, sliced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- Optional: black sesame seeds⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
for the dressing (recipe from all recipes):⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 cloves garlic, minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger root, peeled & minced⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3/4 cup olive oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/3 cup soy sauce⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 3 tablespoons honey⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/3 cup rice vinegar⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- 1/4 cup water⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
full recipe details on @caitsplate (link in profile): https://caitsplate.com/veggie-sushi-grain-bowl/⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#caitsplatefood #caitsplate #vegetarianrecipe #vegetarianeats #vegetarianlunch #huffposttaste #thefeedfeed #f52community #lunchtoday

Disclaimer: Statements on this website are meant for general use only and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to consult with their healthcare providers prior to making any changes to their healthcare management. The information contained in this site is intended to serve as an inspirational aid and should be used in conjunction with advice from your healthcare professional. It is a supplement, not a substitute, to the knowledge, skill and expertise of healthcare professionals involved in patient care. All information contained in this site is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without giving appropriate credit to the original source.

Copyright © 2021 · Seasoned Pro