Creamy Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe For Cozy Nights

Creamy butternut squash mac and cheese brings cozy comfort to your dinner table with unexpected richness.

Smooth orange vegetables blend seamlessly into classic pasta dishes.

Childhood memories of cheesy goodness merge with seasonal ingredients for a delightful twist.

Nutritious pumpkin-like squash adds unexpected depth to traditional comfort food.

Rich cheese sauce wraps around tender noodles, creating magical moments of pure satisfaction.

Hearty and wholesome, this recipe promises to become your new cold-weather favorite.

Why Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a Classic

• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with vitamin-rich butternut squash, this mac and cheese transforms a classic comfort dish into a healthier option loaded with essential nutrients and fiber.
• Create Smooth Texture: Blending roasted butternut squash directly into the cheese sauce creates an incredibly creamy, velvety consistency that elevates the traditional mac and cheese experience.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows home cooks to adjust ingredients, swap cheeses, or add extra vegetables, making it perfect for different dietary preferences and kitchen skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the beloved cheesy goodness kids adore with a subtle vegetable twist that parents will appreciate, resulting in a universally appealing meal everyone can enjoy together.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and creamy vegetable that adds rich flavor and nutrition to the mac and cheese.
• Pasta: The classic comfort food base that provides a satisfying texture and holds the cheesy sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that creates the signature creamy sauce for the dish.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy base for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides a silky consistency.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and creates a foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the cheese sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a crispy, golden topping with a nutty flavor.
• Cooking Oil: Used to roast the butternut squash and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Roast Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread the butternut squash cubes evenly across the pan, lightly spray with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 25-30 minutes until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your choice of pasta until it reaches al dente texture. Drain well and set aside for later.

Step 3: Create Creamy Garlic Base

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Sprinkle in flour and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux base.

Step 4: Develop Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk milk into the garlic and flour mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Melt Cheese into Sauce

Add shredded cheddar cheese to the thickened sauce. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

Step 6: Blend Squash and Cheese

Transfer half of the roasted butternut squash and the cheese sauce to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large baking dish, gently mix the cooked pasta with the creamy butternut squash cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.

Step 8: Add Remaining Squash

Fold the remaining roasted butternut squash cubes into the pasta mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 9: Bake and Finish

Sprinkle parmesan cheese generously over the top. Bake in the 400°F oven for 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• Spread cubes evenly on the baking sheet to ensure each piece caramelizes and develops a sweet, rich flavor.
• Whisk milk gradually into the flour mixture and stir constantly to create a smooth, silky cheese sauce without any clumps.
• Blending roasted butternut squash into the cheese sauce adds extra vitamins and a creamy texture without changing the classic mac and cheese taste.
• Use room temperature cheese and grate it freshly for the most even melting and best flavor integration into the sauce.
• Reserve some roasted squash chunks to mix into the pasta for a delightful contrast between creamy sauce and tender squash pieces.

Variations of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• Smoky Bacon Mac: Add crispy bacon bits and smoked paprika to enhance the cheesy butternut squash flavor, creating a savory and rich variation.
• Herbed Green Veggie Version: Mix in sautéed spinach and fresh basil, then top with breadcrumbs for a nutritious and crispy green mac and cheese experience.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to add heat and excitement to the classic butternut squash mac and cheese recipe.
• Mediterranean Style: Blend in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired creamy pasta dish.

Pairing Suggestions for Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese and complement the sweet roasted butternut squash.
• Serve with Herb-Roasted Vegetables: Create a balanced side of roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus seasoned with thyme and rosemary to add freshness and green nutrients alongside the hearty pasta dish.
• Enhance with Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with herbs like parsley and a touch of garlic over the mac and cheese to introduce a delightful textural contrast and extra flavor dimension.

Storage Guidelines for Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the mac and cheese sealed to prevent moisture loss and bacterial growth.

Pack cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a tight seal to maintain quality.

Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Warm refrigerated mac and cheese in a preheated 350F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then uncover for the last 5 minutes to restore a crispy top layer.

FAQs

• Why use butternut squash in mac and cheese?

Butternut squash adds natural sweetness, creamy texture, and extra nutrients like vitamin A and fiber to the classic mac and cheese, making it healthier and more flavorful without compromising the comfort food experience.

• Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses. Just ensure they melt well and complement the butternut squash’s subtle sweetness.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This mac and cheese is vegetarian-friendly, using no meat products. It’s packed with protein from cheese and can be easily made with vegetable broth if needed.

Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy butternut squash mac and cheese brings comfort and warmth to classic pasta dishes, blending velvety autumn flavors with cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something satisfying and delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680 grams) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 10 ounces (280 grams) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• Cooking oil spray
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 tablespoons gluten-free flour (or all-purpose flour)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and cover a large baking sheet with parchment paper for roasting butternut squash.
2. Distribute butternut squash cubes across the pan, lightly coat with cooking spray, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Cook pasta in generously salted water following package instructions until pasta reaches al dente texture. Drain and reserve.
4. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium temperature, quickly sauté minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
5. Incorporate flour into the garlic mixture, stirring continuously for an additional 30 seconds to create a roux base.
6. Slowly introduce milk while whisking, eliminating potential lumps. Allow sauce to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring periodically until mixture thickens slightly.
7. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
8. Transfer cheese sauce and half of roasted butternut squash to a blender, puréeing until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
9. Combine cooked pasta, blended cheese sauce, and remaining roasted butternut squash in a large baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
10. Sprinkle parmesan cheese across the top of the pasta mixture, then bake at 400F for 25 minutes until surface becomes golden and edges bubble.
11. Remove from oven and serve immediately, enjoying the rich, comforting flavors of this gourmet mac and cheese.

Notes

• Roast butternut squash until caramelized edges form for deeper, sweeter flavor profile that enhances the overall dish’s richness.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for more intense taste, ensuring the sauce has robust and complex cheese notes that complement the sweet squash.
• Add crispy breadcrumbs or panko on top before final baking to create delightful crunchy texture contrast against creamy mac and cheese.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta and using gluten-free flour for sauce thickening, maintaining similar comfort food experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 364 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg