Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my creamy and cheesy butternut squash mac and cheese! This dish is pure comfort food magic that’s been a staple in my home for years. The moment you take that first bite, you’re greeted with a warm, velvety sauce that hugs every elbow macaroni piece like it’s meant to be together. Seriously, it’s that good! My family absolutely devours it, and it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing. Plus, the vibrant color from the butternut squash makes it visually delightful! Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this butternut squash mac and cheese always steals the show. Trust me, you’ll want this recipe in your life!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful butternut squash mac and cheese. Gather these ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Pro tip: Make sure to cube the butternut squash into even pieces so it cooks uniformly and blends smoothly!)

How to Prepare Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Getting your creamy and cheesy butternut squash mac and cheese ready is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Let’s dive in and create something magical.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important so that your mac and cheese bakes perfectly!
Next, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes about 7-9 minutes. Once they’re al dente, drain them well and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, grab a pot and combine the cubed butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil and then let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce it with a fork.
Now, it’s time to blend! Transfer the squash and broth mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth. This will be the star of your cheese sauce!
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, the creamy squash puree, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and cheesy.
Transfer this delicious mixture into a baking dish, and don’t forget to top it with grated parmesan cheese for that golden crust!
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden on top. Oh wow, just wait until you smell that!

And there you have it! Your butternut squash mac and cheese is ready to be devoured. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my butternut squash mac and cheese! This recipe is estimated to provide about 350 calories per serving, which isn’t too shabby for a dish this rich and comforting. You’ll get around 12 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat, which is all part of that delicious cheesy goodness. Each serving also packs in about 12 grams of protein and 50 grams of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying meal. Just keep in mind that these values can change a bit based on the brands of ingredients you use. Enjoy this creamy delight knowing it’s not only tasty but also nourishing!

Tips for Success

To really elevate your butternut squash mac and cheese, here are a few pro tips I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for that extra depth of flavor. It’s like a secret weapon! If you want a little crunch, consider mixing in some breadcrumbs on top before baking or tossing in crispy bacon bits for a savory twist. Also, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or fontina for unique flavor profiles. Lastly, if you want it creamier, adding a touch more milk or cream can make all the difference. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your dish to the next level!

Variations of Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

One of the best things about butternut squash mac and cheese is how easily it adapts to your taste! Want to mix it up? Try adding different cheeses like creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist, or mix in some mozzarella for that ooey-gooey melt factor. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for a pop of color and flavor. You can even swap out the butternut squash for sweet potatoes or pumpkin for a different take. And for those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless, so let your creativity shine!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
The creamy butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness while sneaking in some veggies!
Every bite is bursting with flavor thanks to the sharp cheddar and spices.
It’s a comforting dish that the whole family will adore.
Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, fitting right into a wholesome diet!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? No problem! To store your butternut squash mac and cheese, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just scoop out the desired portion and reheat it in the microwave or oven. If using the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist. Trust me, it’s just as creamy and delicious the second time around!

FAQs About Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries about butternut squash mac and cheese.

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to swap elbow macaroni for shells, penne, or any pasta you love. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth? No worries! You can use chicken broth or even water in a pinch. Just be mindful that it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How can I make it dairy-free? For a dairy-free version, substitute the cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives like cashew cheese and almond milk. It’ll still be delicious!

Can I freeze leftovers? Definitely! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: 7 Comforting Secrets

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy and cheesy butternut squash mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups butternut squash, cubed
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a pot, combine butternut squash and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and simmer until squash is tender.
Blend the squash mixture until smooth.
In a large bowl, mix the pasta, squash puree, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

For extra flavor, add spices like nutmeg or paprika.
You can add cooked bacon or sausage for a non-vegetarian option.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: butternut squash mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, vegetarian pasta

Spread the love