Butternut Squash Mac Cheese (Printable)
Creamy butternut squash blended with sharp cheddar creates hearty mac and cheese with a crispy golden top.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
→ Butternut Squash Sauce
02 - 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and diced
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 cups vegetable broth
06 - ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Cheese & Seasoning
08 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
09 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
11 - ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
→ Topping (optional)
13 - ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 1 tbsp melted butter
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a medium baking dish if preparing the topping.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine butternut squash, onion, garlic, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12 to 15 minutes until squash is tender.
04 - Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to puree the mixture until smooth.
05 - Stir in milk and butter until fully melted and blended. Return sauce to low heat.
06 - Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
07 - Mix the cooked pasta and sauce thoroughly in a large bowl. Transfer to the prepared baking dish if using topping.
08 - Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the pasta mixture.
09 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
# Cooking Tips:
01 -
- The way the butternut squash sneaks in flavor and nutrition is like sharing a delicious secret with a friend
- This recipe became a favorite because it feels indulgent without any heaviness
02 -
- Don&t overcook the pasta before mixing it with the sauce or it can become mushy after baking
- Pureeing the squash completely smooth is what makes the sauce silky and comforting instead of chunky
03 -
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for that perfect balance between creamy and tangy
- Allow the sauce to cool slightly before mixing with pasta to prevent clumping