Description
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a creamy and delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining the sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash with rich cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: 8 oz (about 2 cups)
- Butternut squash: 2 cups, peeled and cubed
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Milk: 1 cup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, diced
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (preferably panko)
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash by peeling, cubing, and boiling until tender.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Make the cheese sauce by sautéing onion and garlic in butter, then blending with cooked squash and milk.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Notes
- For a sharper flavor, consider using aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese.
- Feel free to add proteins like bacon or chicken for a heartier meal.
- Mix in vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Butternut Squash, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Vegetarian Recipe