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Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

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I am totally digging autumn this year, I’m loving all things autumnal and really enjoying trying the fantastic produce available at out local farmers market. This week we bought some two butternut squash and I decided to make butternut squash mac and cheese! If you’ve never tried it, you’re going to love this recipe! It’s one of our family favorites which I adapted from a tv show I saw a few years ago about adding hidden veg to your favorite meals.

So yes, today I’m sharing how to cook Butternut Squash Macaroni and cheese. It’s tasty, delicious and full of goodness! You’re going to love this

Want more butternut squash recipes? Click here! You can alsor ead here to learn what does butternut squash taste like.

I should also mention, to cut down on dishes I definitely recommend a skillet that can go from stove top to oven, like this one.

Let’s just take a look at this beauty, shall we?

butternut squash mac and cheese

What Is Butternut Mac And Cheese?

Butternut squash macaroni and cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that is perfect for the fall and winter. It is made with roasted butternut squash, macaroni noodles, cheese and some seasonings.

Is Butternut Squash Healthy?

Butternut squash is high in vitamins A & C as well as dietary fiber which makes this mac and cheese an even better option than traditional mac and cheese!

The delicious butternut cheese sauce makes this butternut squash mac and cheese a family favorite. The flavor is absolutely delicious and by adding pumpkin puree to the dish, you get lots of added nutrition.

Use Roasted Butternut Squash

To make the butternut squash sauce you’ll want to roast your cubed butternut squash pieces and then blend them into a pumpkin purée. Add the recommended spices and flavors and your going to have a delicious creamy macaroni and cheese like never before.

Ingredients For Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

To make this delicious mac and cheese butternut squash recipe you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Butternut Squash: Adds a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture.
  • Shallots: Provide a mild onion flavor that complements the squash.
  • Garlic: Intensifies the savory depth of the dish.
  • Fresh Sage: Infuses an earthy, aromatic flavor.
  • Virgin Olive Oil: Helps in roasting and adds a smooth finish.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
  • Coconut Milk: Offers a rich creaminess and subtle sweetness.
  • Vegetable Water: Used to thin out the sauce while adding extra nutrients.
  • Macaroni Noodles: The base of the dish, they absorb the flavors well.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a flavorful, gooey cheese sauce.
  • Parmesan: Optional topping for added cheesy flavor and a nice golden crust.

How To Make Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Here is a step by step guide for making your Macaroni and Cheese butternut squash recipe.

Step One: Roast The Butternut Squash

preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In an oven safe skillet heat the olive oil. Add the shallots and minced garlic. Saute for 2 minutes, then place the skillet into the oven for 25-30 minutes until your butternut squash is soft.

Be sure to read our article: how to cut butternut squash!

Step Two: Cook And Drain Macaroni Pasta

Cook your pasta noodles on the stove top according to package directions or cook in the Instant Pot with 4 cups of water for 4 minutes. Once the pasta has finished cooking drain any excess water.

Step Three: Blend Butternut Squash

Once the butternut squash cubes are roasted, place them into the blender. Add the coconut milk and vegetable stock. If you don’t have veggie stock you can use chicken broth or water.

Step Four: Season Pumpkin Sauce

Blitz your pumpkin sauce and add kosher salt and pepper for seasoning. Add the sage and two cups of shredded cheese to the pureed squash. This will give the sauce the cheese flavor everyone loves.

Step Five: Combine Macaroni With Cheese Sauce

Combine the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese and butternut squash sauce and mix until all of the noodles are covered in the delicious sauce.

butternut squash mac and cheese

Step Six: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Macaroni and Cheese Butternut Squash dish!

I hope you enjoyed this simple and easy recipe. It’s one of my favorite mac and cheese recipes.

Can I Air Fry The Butternut Squash Cubes?

Crispy air fryer butternut squash cubes are the perfect accompaniment to this mac and cheese dish and is a great alternative to using the oven to roast your butternut squash.

To air fry, begin by adding butternut squash cubes to the air fryer. Cook for 12 minutes at 375 degrees. Be sure to shake the basket at least once mid-way through cooking.

Can I Use Garlic Powder Instead Of Minced Garlic?

Yes, if you don’t have any minced garlic on hand, you can definitely substitute with garlic powder. Garlic powder has a more intense flavor than the fresh version but will still work perfectly in this recipe.

Just add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and if you don’t have any you can also substitute with onion powder.

Can I Add Other Flavors To Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese?

Yes, you can add more flavors to this mac and cheese recipe. I like to add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to my mac and cheese recipe, however not everyone is a fan of mustard so I’ve left it out of this version of butternut squash mac and cheese.

You can also add other herbs such as fresh rosemary, oregano, or thyme for additional flavor. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.

butternut squash mac and cheese

Can I Add More Veg To This Easy Squash Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can easily add other vegetables to this mac and cheese recipe. I like adding steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower florets for an extra veggie boost. You can also add cooked spinach if desired.

If adding cooked veggies make sure to keep them on the side when serving in order to keep the creamy texture.

Best Cheese For This Macaroni Dish?

I prefer to use sharp cheddar cheese for this dish as it pairs well with the hidden veggie (butternut squash) and gives this dish a nice cheesy flavor. You can also use other cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda or even Mozzarella cheese for a different flavor profile.

I once tried goat cheese as my friend Sylvy from Bulgaria brought me a huge tub of Bulgarian goat’s cheese and that made this dish taste out of this world!

Can I Use Regular Milk Instead Of Coconut Milk?

Yes , you can use regular milk instead of coconut milk in this recipe. You may need to add a bit more of the milk as it’s thinner than coconut milk.

Can I Make Gluten Free Mac And Cheese?

Yes, buy gluten free macaroni elbows and make this recipe into a delicious gluten free pasta dish that the whole family can enjoy. You’ll love this cheese recipe and the butternut squash mac and cheese will be a huge hit every time!

butternut squash mac and cheese

Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Yield: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

I am totally digging autumn this year, I’m loving all things autumnal and really enjoying trying the fantastic produce available at out local farmers market. This week we bought some two butternut squash and I decided to make butternut squash mac and cheese! If you’ve never tried it, you’re going to love this recipe! It’s one of our family favorites which I adapted from a tv show I saw a few years ago about adding hidden veg to your favorite meals.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Butternut Squash (approx. 4 cups), peeled & diced
  • ¼ cup Shallots, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 Tablespoons Fresh Sage, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Coconut Milk
  • 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water
  • 8 oz box of gluten free Elbow Noodles
  • Parmesan (optional topping)

Instructions

How To Make Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Here is a step by step guide for making your Macaroni and Cheese butternut squash recipe.

Step One: Roast The Butternut Squash

preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In an oven safe skillet heat the olive oil. Add the shallots and minced garlic. Saute for 2 minutes, then place the skillet into the oven for 25-30 minutes until your butternut squash is soft.

Be sure to read our article: how to cut butternut squash!

Step Two: Cook And Drain Macaroni Pasta

Cook your pasta noodles on the stove top according to package directions or cook in the Instant Pot with 4 cups of water for 4 minutes. Once the pasta has finished cooking drain any excess water.

Step Three: Blend Butternut Squash

Once the butternut squash cubes are roasted, place them into the blender. Add the coconut milk and vegetable stock. If you don’t have veggie stock you can use chicken broth or water.

Step Four: Season Pumpkin Sauce

Blitz your pumpkin sauce and add kosher salt and pepper for seasoning. Add the sage and two cups of shredded cheese to the pureed squash. This will give the sauce the cheese flavor everyone loves.

Step Five: Combine Macaroni With Cheese Sauce

Combine the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese and butternut squash sauce and mix until all of the noodles are covered in the delicious sauce.

Step Six: Serve And Enjoy

Garnish with Parmesan cheese (optional). Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Macaroni and Cheese Butternut Squash dish!

I hope you enjoyed this simple and easy recipe. It’s one of my favorite mac and cheese recipes.

Can I Freeze The Butternut Squash Sauce?

What if you have too much sauce? Can you freeze it and how long will cheese sauce last in the freezer?

The answer is super simple. Yes, you can freeze the cheese sauce. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to use your , simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up on low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Enjoy!

Trust me I know! Hungry for more? Check out the following recipes:

20 Colorful Winter Salads

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