Creamy Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese (Print Version)
Cozy up with this creamy, dreamy butternut squash mac and cheese! It's comfort food with a healthy twist, perfect for a chilly evening or a simple weeknight meal. Get ready for cheesy goodness with a touch of sweetness!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 45 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
02 -
1 lb elbow macaroni
→ Flavor Boosters
03 -
1 tbsp olive oil
04 -
2 cloves garlic (minced)
05 -
1 tsp dried thyme
06 -
1/2 tsp salt
07 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Creamy Dreamy Sauce Makers
08 -
1/2 cup whole milk
09 -
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
10 -
1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
11 -
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
13 -
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel, seed, and cube butternut squash. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
02 -
Cook pasta according to package directions.
03 -
Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add garlic and thyme. Sauté for 1 minute.
04 -
Blend cooked squash with milk until smooth.
05 -
Combine pasta, cheeses, nutritional yeast, garlic mixture, and squash puree in the saucepan. Stir until cheese is melted.
06 -
Transfer to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.
# Notes:
01 -
Roast the squash until slightly caramelized for deeper flavor. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day, just reheat gently on the stovetop. If you don't have Gruyère, Swiss cheese works well. For a crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last few minutes of baking.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Baking sheet
02 -
large saucepan
03 -
blender or immersion blender
04 -
9x13 inch baking dish
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 400
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 15g