Butternut Squash Mac Cheese (Printer-Friendly)
Mac and cheese enhanced by roasted butternut squash and rich cheeses for a velvety texture.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1.1 lbs)
03 - 1 small yellow onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
07 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
08 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
→ Topping (optional)
13 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss cubed butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
03 - Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
04 - Melt unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
05 - Add the roasted butternut squash, whole milk, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and paprika to the saucepan. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
06 - Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to purée until smooth and creamy. Return to the saucepan if necessary.
07 - Stir in grated sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
08 - Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
09 - If desired, preheat the broiler. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta in an ovenproof dish and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crisp.
10 - Serve the dish hot immediately after preparation.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret when I tell you the squash adds a velvety texture and subtle sweetness that makes this mac and cheese unforgettable
- This recipe quickly became my go-to for when I want something comforting yet a bit different from the usual
02 -
- Don't skip roasting the squash—it transforms the flavor from bland to vibrant and sweet
- Using an immersion blender keeps things simple and means fewer dishes to wash
03 -
- Grate your cheese fresh when possible for better melting and flavor
- Let the sauce simmer slowly rather than boiling to avoid graininess