Best 5 Sneaky Squash Mac And Cheese Recipes

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**Sneaky Squash Mac and Cheese: A Dish That Will Make Everyone Happy**

Are you looking for a way to sneak more vegetables into your family's diet? This Sneaky Squash Mac and Cheese is the perfect solution! With its creamy, cheesy sauce and hidden butternut squash, it's a dish that everyone will love, even the pickiest eaters. Butternut squash is a great source of vitamins A and C, and it also has a mild, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the sharp cheddar cheese. This recipe is also easy to make, and it's a great way to use up leftover squash. In addition to the classic baked mac and cheese recipe, this article also includes two variations: a vegan version and a slow cooker version. So whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish for a holiday gathering, this Sneaky Squash Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit.

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 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

8 ounces uncooked whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 medium butternut squash (about 3 pounds), seeded and cubed
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup fat-free milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
Dash ground nutmeg
1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup soft whole wheat bread crumbs

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.

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

SNEAKY (HEALTHY) MAC AND CHEESE



Sneaky (Healthy) Mac and Cheese image

Picky eaters can be really tough to convince to eat veggies and other healthy foods. Perfect for those picky eaters; it has veggies masquerading as a cheese sauce! Just don't tell them, we'll keep it our little secret!! Cheaters Alley: If you can't find butternut squash frozen or just want to shave a few minutes off prep time, you can use canned pumpkin instead. It would be about 1 cup of pumpkin or squash, and you can skip the boiling with the milk and water. Adapted from www.girlmakesfood.com

Provided by Nicoleg

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 1 9x13 pan, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

0.5 (16 ounce) bag frozen cauliflower
1 lb dreamfields low carb pastas
1/2 cup pasta water
10 ounces frozen butternut squash
1/2 cup milk (regular, or non dairy milk)
3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese (If you try and use mild cheddar, there will be little to no flavor!)
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 tablespoon butter

Steps:

  • •Put cauliflower florets in microwave safe dish and cook covered for 10 minutes, or until tender.
  • •In a large pot, bring pasta water to a boil.
  • •Add pasta, and cook until al dente, I recommend 2 minutes less than the package says.
  • •Drain and add back to the pot, off the heat.
  • •In another, small pot, boil milk and pasta water (scoop it out of the boiling pasta pot) with the butternut squash.
  • •Add the butternut squash and milk mix into a blender with the cheeses.
  • •Add the cauliflower.
  • •Blend until smooth.
  • •Taste, you will probably need to add a decent amount of salt.
  • •Add the sauce to the pasta and place in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish.
  • •Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed (yes again - this is your last chance to get it perfect!).
  • Melt butter and mix with bread crumbs.
  • Sprinkle bread crumbs over mac n cheese.
  • Cook at 400 degrees for 20 minutes, or until breadcrumbs are golden.
  • Can be made ahead and refridgerated. Just cook 30 minutes.
  • •Eat up! (And don't tell!).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 150.4, Fat 8, SaturatedFat 4.8, Cholesterol 23.9, Sodium 213.4, Carbohydrate 13.2, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 2.6, Protein 8

SNEAKY MAC 'N CHEESE



Sneaky Mac 'n Cheese image

No one will guess there's a boost of extra nutrition from butternut squash and nonfat dry milk in this super-creamy crowd-pleaser. I found this recipe in Woman's World magazine. I have not tried this recipe, but I'm posting it for safe keeping.

Provided by internetnut

Categories     Cheese

Time 34m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

14 1/2 ounces ronzoni smart taste rontini pasta
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
3 cups 1% low-fat milk
3 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces frozen butternut squash puree
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 cup crushed whole wheat Ritz cracker (18-20 crackers)
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
fresh thyme sprig (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350. Coat shallow 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain well; reserve.
  • Meanwhile, whisk dry milk powder into low-fat milk until smooth. In large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking constantly, until starting to brown, 2 minutes. Whisk in milk mixture until blended; cook, stirring, until thickened, 2 minutes. Stir in squash until smooth and blended. Stir in cheese, worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  • Stir pasta into cheese sauce; transfer to baking dish. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter; stir in crackers and dried thyme. Sprinkle over pasta mixture. Bake until bubbly and golden brown, about 15 minutes. If desired, garnish with thyme sprigs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 567.5, Fat 20.6, SaturatedFat 12.6, Cholesterol 63.1, Sodium 801.8, Carbohydrate 67.8, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 13.3, Protein 26.7

Tips:

  • Choose the right squash: Butternut squash is the most common type of squash used in mac and cheese, but you can also use acorn squash, kabocha squash, or even pumpkin. Just be sure to choose a squash that is ripe and has a sweet flavor.
  • Roast the squash: Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and makes it easier to blend into the mac and cheese sauce.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is the star of mac and cheese, so be sure to use a good quality cheese that melts well. Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use Parmesan, Gruyère, or a combination of cheeses.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Mac and cheese is best when the pasta is cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make it ahead of time: Mac and cheese can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

Conclusion:

Sneaky squash mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables, and it's also a great comfort food for adults. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful mac and cheese that will be a hit with the whole family.

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