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butternut squash mac and cheese recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Sophia Bennett, a passionate recipe creator, smiling in a cozy kitchen while preparing a homemade dish.Sophia B.
Indulge in the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with a nutritious twist of butternut squash, perfect for a cozy fall meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Blender
  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Baking Dish greased

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Chopped fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spread the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. Once cooled, puree in a blender until smooth.
  • Boil a pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the pureed squash and milk, then add the cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and melted.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional add-ins like nutmeg or parmesan.

Serving

  • Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes if desired, or serve immediately topped with fresh herbs.

Storage

  • Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips: Puree the squash until smooth for a creamy texture. For added flavor, mix in spices like nutmeg or garlic powder.
Ingredient Substitutions: Substitute cheddar with gruyere for a different taste. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
How to Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage & Freshness: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
Make-Ahead Tips: Prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve.
Keyword butternut squash mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, fall pasta recipes