Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese brings together everything you love about comfort food with a nutritious, flavorful twist. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of roasted goodness that tastes as good as it looks.
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 1 head garlic for roasting
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 cup milk dairy or dairy free
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or more cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces cooked pasta of choice and reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, add oil, and toss with salt and pepper. Add a whole head of garlic (drizzled with olive oil and wrapped in foil) to the sheet. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and the garlic is soft.2 cups butternut squash, 1 head garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
- Blend the sauce base: Once roasted, transfer the squash to a blender. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the blender. Add the milk and blend until smooth and creamy.3/4 cup milk
- Prepare the sauce: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Pour in the blended squash mixture and stir well. Add paprika, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce warm for 3 to 5 minutes.3 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Add the cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. Adjust seasoning to taste.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or more cheddar cheese
- Combine with pasta: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce a little bit at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Serve warm and enjoy.12 ounces cooked pasta of choice and reserved pasta water
Notes
✔️ Roast the squash until golden: A little caramelization deepens the flavor and sweetness of the sauce.
✔️ Blend while warm: Warm squash and garlic blend more easily into a silky, lump-free sauce.
✔️ Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired creaminess.
✔️ Choose the right cheese: A mix of cheddar for sharp flavor and mozzarella for stretchiness creates the perfect cheesy sauce.
✔️ Blend while warm: Warm squash and garlic blend more easily into a silky, lump-free sauce.
✔️ Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk until it reaches your desired creaminess.
✔️ Choose the right cheese: A mix of cheddar for sharp flavor and mozzarella for stretchiness creates the perfect cheesy sauce.
