The BEST Holiday side dish

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories while evaporated milk can be more economical.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is heart-healthy and margarine can be less expensive.

Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture; stir for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Stir in pumpkin puree; mix well.

Add shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce; mix until evenly coated.

Transfer the macaroni mixture to a baking dish; top with bread crumbs.

Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter for extra crispiness.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until bubbly and golden, about 25-30 minutes.

Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens