Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
Today’s recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese! Imagine creamy, cheesy pasta with a hint of autumn sweetness from our beloved butternut squash. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening, but in food form!
And guess what? It’s as simple as pie (or should I say, as easy as mac and cheese?). So grab your ingredients and let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish together!
Contents
Recipe 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?
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
Place roasted butternut squash 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 butternut squash 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 Butternut Cheese Sauce
Combine the cooked pasta to the cheese and butternut squash puree 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 Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese dish!
Cooking Tips
- Creamy Consistency: To achieve a velvety texture, ensure the butternut squash is cooked until tender before blending it into the cheese sauce.
- Seasoning Balance: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Remember, flavors can intensify as the dish cooks.
substitutions
- Aromatic Flavor Swap: If minced garlic or garlic powder is not on hand, onion powder can serve as a suitable substitute.
- Milk Replacement: Swap coconut milk for regular milk, adjusting the quantity slightly due to the thinner consistency compared to coconut milk.
Variations
- Flavorful Twist: Try adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a distinct flavor. If you’re not a fan of mustard, it’s not included in this butternut squash mac and cheese version.
- Herbaceous Infusion: Experiment with additional herbs like fresh rosemary, oregano, or thyme to elevate the taste experience. For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Additions: Consider adding more veggies like steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower for a veggie boost while making butternut squash mac. Cooked spinach is another tasty option.
storage & reheating instructions
- Storage: Store any leftover Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure proper refrigeration to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Enjoy!
what to serve with this recipe?
- Chipotle Cream Sauce: For a spicy kick, consider serving a creamy chipotle sauce on the side to add depth and smokiness to each bite.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing complements the creamy mac and cheese beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can be a delightful accompaniment, adding depth to the meal.
- Grilled Chicken: For a protein-packed option, consider serving grilled chicken on the side for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese
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.
FAQ’S
which is the 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.
How can I make Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese gluten-free and vegan?
Buy gluten free macaroni elbows and make gluten free pasta dish. Additionally, by incorporating vegan cheese alternatives, this becomes a delectable vegan butternut squash mac and cheese recipe that will surely impress your loved ones with its creamy goodness!
Can I Air Fry The Butternut Squash Cubes?
Crispy air-fried cubed butternut squash makes for the perfect pairing with mac and cheese, offering a delightful alternative to oven roasted squash.
Can I use frozen or canned butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen butternut squash for convenience, ensuring a quick and easy preparation without compromising the dish’s delicious flavors.
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