Swiss Chard, Bacon, and Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Cuisine: Pasta
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 6-8 servings
 
Ingredients
  • 1 lb. elbow pasta
  • 1 lb. bacon. chopped
  • 1 large bunch Swiss chard, stems removed, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 2 tbsp. flour
  • 1 c. canned pumpkin
  • 2.5 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese + more for topping
  • 1 tsp. salt + more to taste
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • Ritz crackers for topping
  • Chopped parsley for topping
Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large frying pan. Once cooked, remove bacon from pan and put onto a plate lined with paper towels, leaving bacon grease in the pan.
  3. Remove all but 2 tbsp. bacon grease from the pan and add Swiss chard. Cook until tender. Remove and set aside.
  4. Melt butter in pan. Once melted, whisk in flour.
  5. Add milk and pumpkin and whisk again. Cook until the mixture starts to bubble.
  6. Add cheese, salt, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, and pepper. Whisk and cook until thickened.
  7. Return pasta to the pot that it cooked in. Add almost all of the bacon, but reserve some for topping, and all of the Swiss chard. Stir in pumpkin cheese sauce.
  8. Macaroni and cheese can be eaten at this step. Or you can spread it into a large 13 x 9 baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. If you're going to bake it, top it with extra bacon, extra cheese, and crumbled Ritz crackers. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes until bubbling. Top with chopped parsley and serve.
  9. Enjoy!
Recipe by For the Love of Gourmet at https://fortheloveofgourmet.com/swiss-chard-bacon-and-pumpkin-mac-and-cheese/