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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 15 reviews

This creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a comforting, dairy-rich twist on a classic favorite, combining tender pasta with a velvety cheese sauce made from pureed butternut squash, sharp cheddar, and white cheddar. The recipe incorporates sautéed onions and garlic for depth, offering a flavorful and hearty meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound pasta of choice

Butternut Squash Mixture

  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large white or yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Boil Squash: In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed butternut squash. Boil until the squash is fork-tender, about 20 minutes. Drain well.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat a pot over medium heat with the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Blend Squash Mixture: Add the drained butternut squash to a high-speed blender along with the sautéed onion mixture and milk. Blend thoroughly until completely smooth, ensuring no lumps remain for a creamy sauce.
  5. Make Roux and Combine: In the same pot used for sautéing, melt the butter over low heat. Whisk in the flour continuously until smooth and bubbly, forming a roux. Gradually pour in the blended squash mixture while whisking to combine and thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in salt, black pepper, sharp cheddar, and white cheddar cheeses. Keep the heat low and stir until all the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Remove from heat once combined.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir well to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired. Optionally, stir in some grated Parmesan for extra sharpness.
  8. Let Sauce Absorb: Allow the pasta and sauce to sit for a few minutes to let the pasta absorb some of the sauce, especially beneficial if using gluten-free pasta. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting butternut squash mac and cheese.

Notes

  • For a sharper flavor, mix in grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
  • The sauce may look watery initially but thickens as it sits due to pasta absorption.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if dietary restrictions require it; sauce might be a bit looser.
  • Ensure the squash is fully pureed for a smooth texture without lumps.
  • Adjust salt gradually to taste after adding cheese as cheddar can be salty.
  • Use a blender capable of handling hot liquids or allow the squash mixture to cool slightly before blending to avoid splatter.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/butternut-squash-mac-and-cheese-recipe/