Butternut squash mac and cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the richness of cheese with the natural sweetness of butternut squash. It’s a perfect fall meal or a cozy dinner any time of year. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 small butternut squash (about 1 lb/450 g), peeled, seeded, and chopped into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
- 1½ cups (150 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Roast the Butternut Squash:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once roasted, set aside to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream (if using), and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Puree the Butternut Squash:
- Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
- Add the squash puree to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
5. Add the Cheese:
- Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices if needed.
6. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir until the pasta is well coated and the sauce is creamy.
7. Serve:
- Serve the butternut squash mac and cheese warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips:
- Make it Even Creamier: For a silkier sauce, use extra heavy cream or add cream cheese.
- Roasted Garlic: Roast a few garlic cloves along with the squash for extra depth of flavor.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and roast the squash ahead of time, then just combine and heat when ready to serve.
- Add-ins: Feel free to stir in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting butternut squash mac and cheese—perfect for a cozy meal!