Best 5 Butternut Squash Panko Crusted Mac N Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that harmonizes the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, enveloped in a golden-brown panko crust. This tantalizing dish promises an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite. The butternut squash, roasted to perfection, lends its natural sweetness and velvety texture to the creamy cheese sauce, creating a harmonious balance. The panko breadcrumbs, toasted until golden brown, add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish, providing a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. This recipe also includes a variation for a vegan mac and cheese, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this comforting and delectable dish. Additionally, there are instructions for preparing the dish in an air fryer, a healthier alternative that yields equally crispy and flavorful results.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE



Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese image

This healthier Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe is made with lots of good-for-you squash, it's easy to make in just 30 minutes, and it's SO cozy and creamy and delicious. See notes above for possible ingredient add-ins.

Provided by Ali

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
12 fresh sage leaves (optional)
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1 pound (about 4 cups) diced butternut squash*
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock (or chicken stock)
1 pound uncooked pasta (I used shells)
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces good-quality sharp cheddar cheese, shredded*
fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of generously-salted water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, heat the butter in a separate large sauté pan until melted. Add the sage leaves (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until crispy. Transfer the sage leaves to a separate plate and set aside.
  • Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Then add in the butternut squash and vegetable stock and stir to combine. Continue cooking until the stock reaches a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and mashes easily with a fork.
  • Transfer the squash mixture to a blender. Add in the milk and give the mixture a quick stir. Then very carefully (I recommend slightly opening the cap on the blender lid, so that excess steam can escape) pulse the mixture until smooth.
  • Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water for later. Then drain the pasta.
  • While the pasta is cooking, return the butternut squash mixture back to the sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until it has melted into the sauce.
  • Taste and season the sauce with salt and pepper as needed. (I used about 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.)
  • Then once the pasta is drained, return it to the stockpot. Pour the butternut cheese sauce on top of the pasta, and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add in some of the hot starchy pasta water to thin it out.
  • Serve warm, garnished with the crispy sage leaves if desired.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH MAC AND CHEESE



Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese image

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

1 pound macaroni with lines, such as tubatini or mini penne rigate
Salt
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 medium onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnish
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken stock
1 (10 ounce) box frozen cooked butter nut squash, defrosted
1 cup cream or half-and-half
2 cups (8 ounces) sharp Cheddar, grated
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a couple of handfuls
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, eyeball it
Black pepper

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



Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese image

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

1 butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 (16 ounce) package rotini pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon dry mustard
2 cups milk
6 ounces shredded white Cheddar cheese
6 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
¼ cup seasoned dry bread crumbs, or as needed

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 MACARONI CHEESE



Butternut macaroni cheese image

This comforting and creamy family pasta bake is given a makeover by adding roasted squash

Provided by Good Food team

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 large butternut squash , peeled and cut into 2.5cm/1in chunks
2 tsp olive oil
300g macaroni
50g butter
50g plain flour
1 tsp English mustard powder
500ml milk
200g extra-mature cheddar or vegetarian alternative, grated
50g parmesan or vegetarian alternative, grated

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Toss the squash with the olive oil and some seasoning, and roast on a baking sheet for 15-20 mins until tender. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni following pack instructions, then drain.
  • Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour and mustard powder to make a paste. Gradually whisk in the milk and simmer to thicken to a smooth sauce, stirring constantly.
  • Take the sauce off the heat and mash in a third of the squash with the cheddar and half the Parmesan. Season, then stir in the drained macaroni with the remaining squash. Tip into an ovenproof dish, scatter with the remaining Parmesan and bake for 15 mins until golden and bubbling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 828 calories, Fat 38 grams fat, SaturatedFat 22 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 94 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 19 grams sugar, Fiber 7 grams fiber, Protein 35 grams protein, Sodium 1.49 milligram of sodium

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PANKO-CRUSTED MAC 'N CHEESE



BUTTERNUT SQUASH PANKO-CRUSTED MAC 'N CHEESE image

Categories     Pasta     Bake     Thanksgiving     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Dinner

Yield 8-10 dishes

Number Of Ingredients 17

Breadcrumb topping1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped shallots
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Mac n' Cheese
16 oz. Monterey Jack (shredded)
8 oz. Gouda (shredded)
1 medium sized butternut squash
1-2 handfuls of fresh sage leaves
2-3 chopped shallots
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
3 cups reduced-fat (2%) milk
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
lots of butter

Steps:

  • Make Breadcrumbs and set aside. Heat oil in skillet over med.-high heat. Add shallots and rosemary; sauté about 5 minutes. Mix in breadcrumbs. Cook another couple mins., just to give panko a little color/flavor; stir in parsley & pour mixture in bowl. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 13x9 baking dish. Caramelize butternut squash in butter with sage. (start early so you can cook it well enough). Cube up about 2/3 to ¾ of a med. butternut squash into ½" cubes. Tear up 6-8 fresh sage leafs into 1/2"+ pieces. Heat several tbls butter in large skillet over med./med.-high heat (enough to generously coat whole skillet). Cover about 80% of skillet with single layer of squash cubes. Toss in a pinch or two of the sage leaves. Allow the squash to cook down and caramelize. Stir/flip INFREQUENTLY (do not mash the cubes - let them cook.). You want the cubes to get a nice, caramelized look to them - not burnt, but definitely starting to brown. When they are about half-way there, throw in a few more larger leafs of sage. Set the finished squash cubes aside in a bowl. Cook macaroni until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally. Drain. Make Mac 'n Cheese sauce. Melt 3 tbls butter in large pot over med. heat. Add shallots and garlic; sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in flour; stir constantly 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture begins to boil, about 5 minutes. Add Monterey Jack and Gouda gradually, stirring until cheeses melt, about 2 minutes. Stir in nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Gently mix butternut squash/sage in to cheese sauce. Stir macaroni into warm cheese sauce, mixing gently. Pour Mac 'n Cheese into buttered 13x9 baking dish. Evenly spread breadcrumb mixture on top of Mac 'n Cheese in baking dish. Bake mac and cheese until breadcrumbs are golden, about 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. EAT THAT JUNK!

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Butternut Squash: Select a medium-sized butternut squash with a deep orange color and firm texture. Avoid squash with blemishes or soft spots.
  • Prep the Butternut Squash Properly: Peel and cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. For easier peeling, microwave the squash for 2-3 minutes before peeling.
  • Cook the Butternut Squash Al Dente: Whether roasting or boiling, cook the butternut squash until it's tender but still holds its shape. Overcooking can make the squash mushy.
  • Use High-Quality Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs add a crispy texture to the mac and cheese. Choose panko breadcrumbs made from fresh bread for the best flavor and texture.
  • Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce: Use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and butter to create a rich and creamy cheese sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg for extra flavor.
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but aim for al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese.
  • Combine Everything and Bake: Mix the cooked butternut squash, cheese sauce, pasta, and panko breadcrumbs in a baking dish. Top with additional cheese and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the panko breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  • Let it Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together and the dish to set.

Conclusion:

Butternut squash panko-crusted mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the sweet and nutty flavor of butternut squash with the creamy richness of mac and cheese. With a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you're looking for a hearty weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, this butternut squash panko-crusted mac and cheese is a perfect choice.

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