Origins of Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Mac ‘n’ cheese is the ultimate comfort food! But where did it come from? It’s believed that the earliest written recipe for a dish resembling mac ‘n’ cheese comes from a 14th century cookbook. The dish (named de lasanis) was made with squares of pasta layered with cheese. But maybe that’s not what you picture when you hear mac ‘n’ cheese? The dish has been modified in many ways over time! It’s thought that the introduction of mac ‘n’ cheese in the US came after Thomas Jefferson’s enslaved chef, James Hemings, recreated a dish Jefferson had enjoyed in his travels in Paris. It was then served at a state dinner and popularity spread. By 1937, Kraft released their boxed mac ‘n’ cheese and it quickly gained popularity because of its affordability. Our plant-based, pumpkin-infused version has all the comfort but without the dairy!
How to Make Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese
This easy pumpkin pasta requires just 10 ingredients and simple methods. I even show you how to roast a pumpkin so you can impress your friends and family with this from-scratch meal. (Or buy canned pumpkin to save time!) Once your pumpkin is roasted, it’s time to make the sauce, which is a simple mixture of ingredients like sage, garlic, nutritional yeast, almond milk, and vegan parmesan cheese. I added a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to add some warmth and spice as well as an optional pinch of red pepper flake for some heat. Once you cook your pasta, all that’s left to do is mix it with your sauce and serve! I opted to sprinkle on more vegan parmesan cheese, broil for a crusty topping, and garnish it with a bit of sautéed sage (which I consider extra-fancy but nonessential touches). I hope you all LOVE this pasta! It’s: CreamyCheesyPumpkin-infusedSatisfyingComfortingEasy to make& Super delicious This would make the perfect meal when you’re craving something hearty yet healthy this fall and winter. It would also make a beautiful holiday entrée or side dish. While it’s delicious on its own, it would also pair well with this Creamy Kale Salad with Chickpeas & Shallots, Apple Pecan Arugula Salad, or Oil-Free Roasted Vegetables! For more pumpkin goodness, be sure to check out our Simple Pumpkin Soup, Pumpkin Pie Bars, Vegan Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie, and Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls! If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
