Butternut Squash Mac Cheese (Printable version)
Comforting creamy mac with roasted butternut squash and sharp cheeses for a flavorful twist.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni or short pasta
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 17.5 oz)
03 - 1 small yellow onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
07 - 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
08 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika
→ Topping (optional)
13 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 1 tablespoon melted butter
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
03 - While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
04 - In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
05 - Add roasted butternut squash, whole milk, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and paprika to the saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
06 - Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and purée until smooth and creamy. Return to the saucepan if necessary.
07 - Stir in sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
08 - Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly.
09 - For a baked topping, preheat the broiler. Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the pasta in an ovenproof dish. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
10 - Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It turns a classic comfort food into a sneaky way to enjoy more vegetables without sacrificing flavor
- The roasted squash brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar, making every bite a little celebration
02 -
- Be patient while roasting the squash—it’s the key to unlocking the rich sweetness that makes this dish special
- Using an immersion blender saves time and helps integrate the flavors perfectly, but a standard blender works too as long as you’re careful with the hot liquid
03 -
- Roasting the squash until it just starts to caramelize adds layers of flavor you won’t get by boiling or steaming
- Don’t rush the blending—make sure the sauce is totally smooth before adding cheese for the best texture