Calling all mac and cheese lovers! This butternut squash mac and cheese recipe takes the classic comfort dish to a whole new level. With its creamy, cheesy sauce infused with butternut squash puree, tender pasta, and crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a flavor explosion that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients thanks to the addition of butternut squash, making it a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese. In addition to the classic recipe, this article also features three exciting variations: a vegetarian version with roasted vegetables, a spicy version with chipotle peppers and chorizo, and a lighter version made with almond milk and whole wheat pasta. With so many options to choose from, there's a perfect butternut squash mac and cheese recipe for every taste. Get ready to indulge in this rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that will become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE
I know it sounds odd, but my girl LOVED butternut squash! This dog might even go for it before a steak, especially if there were also pasta and cheese involved in the deal!
Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 20m
Yield 5 servings (Boo counted for 2)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat a pot of water to boil for the pasta. Salt the water then add the pasta and cook to al dente or, with a bite to it.
- While pasta cooks, heat a medium heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and butter. When the butter melts into the oil, add the thyme and grate the onion directly into the pot with a hand held grater or Microplane. Cook the grated onion in butter and oil 1 to 2 minutes, then add flour and cook together 1 to 2 more minutes. Whisk in stock, then combine with butternut squash until warmed through and smooth. Stir in cream or half-and-half and bring sauce to a bubble. Stir in cheeses in a figure 8 motion and season the completed sauce with salt, nutmeg and pepper. Taste to adjust seasonings.
- Drain cooked pasta well and combine with sauce. Serve alongside chicken sammies and top with thyme leaves picked from remaining sprigs (Boo would also have a little extra sprinkle of that cheese, please!)
BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE
I received this recipe from a dear friend. This is a quick, great way to incorporate a fall vegetable into a comfort-food favorite. Sweet, creamy, and delicious.
Provided by bwayfreak3
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h20m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Place butternut squash, cut-side down, on a baking sheet.
- Roast squash in the preheated oven until soft, 40 to 50 minutes. Remove squash flesh from skin and set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk flour and mustard into melted butter until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk milk into flour mixture until the mixture has the texture of heavy cream, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir butternut squash, white Cheddar cheese, and Cheddar cheese into milk mixture until cheese is melted. Stir rotini into cheese mixture. Pour cheese mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs are golden, about 10 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.3 calories, Carbohydrate 51.9 g, Cholesterol 45.7 mg, Fat 15.6 g, Fiber 3.7 g, Protein 17.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 307.2 mg, Sugar 6 g
BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE
I created this dish after my father had triple bypass surgery. He loves comfort food, and I wanted him to be able to enjoy a rich and tasty dish like mac & cheese without all the fat and butter. It's also a smart way to sneak in some veggies for children. -Megan Schwartz, New York, New York
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Place squash in a large saucepan; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook, covered, 8-10 minutes or until tender., Meanwhile, place yogurt, milk, salt, pepper and nutmeg in a blender. Drain squash and transfer to blender; cover and process until pureed. Return mixture to saucepan; heat through. Stir in cheeses until melted., Drain pasta; add to squash mixture. Toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs., Bake, uncovered, until golden brown, 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 422 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 750mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 12g fiber), Protein 20g protein.
CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE
This is a delicious recipe for butternut squash mac and cheese that is husband and kid approved. Just beware of portion control; you'll want seconds and then some. Play around with the recipe, it's fairly forgiving.
Provided by Merritt
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Place cooked squash in the bowl of a food processor; process until pureed. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in cooked pasta, milk, cottage cheese, Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, bouillon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper until completely blended and creamy. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.5 calories, Carbohydrate 44.1 g, Cholesterol 8.5 mg, Fat 4.1 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 11.3 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 121.3 mg, Sugar 2.6 g
BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a medium saucepan, combined cubed butternut squash, chicken broth, milk and garlic and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 25 minutes, until squash is tender. Meanwhile your pasta should be boiling per box instructions. Pour hot squash mixture into a blender and add Greek yogurt, salt and pepper. Blend until smoother and pour mixture into a large bowl. Stir in cheeses until melted and then fold in your pasta. Pour everything into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray and spread evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over top and place in oven for about 25 minutes. Turn your broiler on to high and allow to sit an additional 3 to 5 minutes, until breadcumbs are browned. Sprinkle with parsley and enjoy!
Tips:
- Choose the right butternut squash: Look for a squash that is heavy for its size, with a deep orange color. Avoid squash that has bruises or soft spots.
- Roast the butternut squash before using it in the mac and cheese: This will help to bring out its natural sweetness and flavor.
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of the mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
- Don't overcook the pasta: The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and ruin the texture of the mac and cheese.
- Make sure the sauce is thick and creamy: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta and cheese evenly. If the sauce is too thin, it will be watery and the mac and cheese will be runny.
- Serve the mac and cheese immediately: Mac and cheese is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but they may not be as creamy and delicious as when they were first made.
Conclusion:
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a fall or winter meal. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own liking. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and roasted butternut squash, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish, give butternut squash mac and cheese a try!
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