It’s fall and that means delicious butternut squash mac n cheese. Butternut squash has such a mild taste and goes perfectly in this side dish.
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We have roasted butternut squash all the time in the autumn. It’s very mild and you can add it to so many different things. My kids knew something was different about this butternut squash mac n cheese, but wasn’t quite sure what it was. They mentioned it and moved on, clearing their plates.
Butternut squash is full of vitamin A and C which is great going into winter when you are wanting a strong immune system. It may not be the best if you are watching your carbs, but it’s a healthier side dish than white or sweet potatoes. It’s nice to add that in during the fall and winter months to break things up a little.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
We love pasta recipes and mac and cheese and have it about once a week, sometimes out of the box and sometimes homemade. It’s the best comfort food. If I have time during the day, I’ll make it homemade and throw it in the oven at dinner. I can make it on the weekends and it always makes enough for a second dinner during the week or to send to school in a thermos.
I always saw the Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Man and Cheese while I was shopping and thought I could probably make my own so I broke and my pots and pans and got to work.
You can take a shortcut on this recipe by buying precut butternut squash in the produce department of your grocery store. I normally don’t spend the extra money on precut things, but I do buy this. It always takes so long to peel and cut it and I can never get it to look nice.
You can also find frozen butternut squash in some stores. However, if you have the extra time you should peel and cube several and freeze them for when you’re ready to use them.
Kitchen Tools to make Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese Recipe
Whisk– The only special tool you need for this recipe is a whisk and I think pretty much everyone owns one of those. If you don’t have one or need a new one, this silicon 3 pack is GREAT! It comes in three different sizes so they are perfect for all kinds of dishes and for both stainless and nonstick pots and pans.
Cheese grater– I love this box grater because there are several different blades you can use so it’s perfect for all kinds of recipes and perfect for your shredded sharp cheddar in this recipe.
Rectangle Baking Dish– I have this baking dish I received as a Christmas gift and I love it. It’s heavy and easy to clean.
Ingredients to make butternut cheese sauce recipe for Mac and Cheese
- Penne pasta
- Cheddar cheese- I normally bake with sharp cheddar cheese.
- Butternut squash- You can buy this precut in the produce department or buy and cut it up on your own. I’ve also hear that you can purchase this in a canned butternut squash. I’ve never seen it, but I’ve never really looked either.
- Nutmeg
- Panko style breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Tip 1
I’ve made this recipe with a little onion powder or garlic powder too. Feel free to add in a dash, if you prefer.
How to make butternut squash mac n cheese
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350F and cook pasta according to package directions.
Step 2
Add milk, nutmeg, and butternut squash into a pot and simmer over medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until squash is soft.
Step 3
Blend mixture until smooth. Add cheese. Stir until melted.
Step 4
Combine squash mixture with cooked noodles, stir and add to baking dish. Top with bread crumbs and cook for 45 minutes or until bread crumbs have turned brown.
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Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz box of penne pasta
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 lb cubed butternut squash
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup panko style breadcrumbs
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Add milk, nutmeg, and butternut squash into a pot and simmer on medium heat for 20-30 minutes or until squash is soft.
- Blend mixture until smooth. Add cheese. Stir until melted.
- Combine with cooked noodles and stir.
- Top with bread crumbs and cook for 45 minutes or until bread crumbs have turned brown.