Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

I originally shared this recipe on October 19, 2012. I have updated the images and some of the text today. 

Why We Love This Recipe For Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

If you are a fan of Butternut Squash, then you probably have already had my Roasted Butternut Squash with Smoked Paprika and maybe even this Butternut Squash Lasagna. Well, today I have a brand new butternut squash recipe- this one is a Mac and Cheese and it is loaded with cooked butternut squash. And we are smitten with it!

I have added mashed squash to the cheesy creamy sauce. The sweetness of the squash with the tangy cheese, rosemary and shallot is an unbeatable combo. But then there are also tender chunks of cooked squash mixed with the macaroni to make it even better! The crunchy breadcrumb topping pushes this casserole right over the top!

Serve this delicious homemade Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese recipe with the other sides for your Thanksgiving Dinner, or serve it with a hearty winter salad like this Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Kale!

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

• Pasta- If you don’t want to use macaroni, feel free to use any shape of whole-grain pasta. You could also use gluten-free macaroni.
• Butternut squash-You’ll need an entire medium-sized butternut squash, about 1 1/4 pounds.
• Gruyere cheese-gruyere makes this a more sophisticated and gourmet mac and cheese. It’s rich, salty, nutty and super creamy. If you like cheddar better, that would work really well! I’ve tried it and it is delish!
• Rosemary and Shallot: To Season
• Milk-I used low fat milk for the cheese sauce, although you can whole milk for a creamier result.
• Crunchy topping-A blend of breadcrumbs, oil, salt and paprika is sprinkled over top. It is the deal sealer.

Step-by-Step Instructions For This Recipe

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 2: Cook squash

Meanwhile, bring several inches of water to a boil in a large saucepan fitted with a steamer attachment. Add the squash and steam, covered, until very tender 8 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Mash Half of the Cooked Squash

Mash about half of the squash in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Meanwhile, Cook Macaroni

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Make cheese sauce

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallot, and cook, stirring often until softened and starting to brown, 1 to 3 minutes. Add 2 cups milk and bring to a simmer. Whisk the remaining 1 cup milk, flour, mustard, rosemary, salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Whisk the flour mixture into the simmering milk, whisking constantly. Continue to cook just until the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove from the heat.

Step 6: Assemble mac & cheese

Whisk the Gruyere cheese into the thickened milk mixture until it is melted. Add the mashed squash and whisk until combined. Stir in the macaroni and the remaining squash. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.

Step 7: Add breadcrumbs

Mix breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil. Add the paprika and stir until evenly moist and bright orange. Sprinkle over the macaroni.

Step 8: Bake

Transfer to the oven and bake until bubbling hot and browned on top, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs and Expert Tips

Variations To Try

• Add a protein: Add cooked chicken, sausage or bacon as a side or mixed in before baking.
• Add more veggies: Veggies like peas, broccoli or cauliflower would taste great in this butternut squash macaroni and cheese.
• Make it gluten-free: You can make this dish entirely gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

What to Serve with Mac and Cheese

• A green side salad: This Chopped Winter Salad and Massaged Kale Salad with Apple are both super simple and delicious.
• Side veggies: You can never go wrong with Skillet Green Beans or Roasted Brussels Sprouts. For a savory balance try Sauteed Portobello Mushrooms.
• Dessert: Finish off the meal strong with an Apple Cake or this Maple Cranberry Apple Pie!

Additional Macaroni and Cheese Recipes To Try

• This Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli is a long-time reader favorite. 
• My Macaroni and Cheese with Cauliflower, Peas and Edamame is bursting with veggies, but that doesn’t stop kids from loving it!
• This ultra-creamy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese with prosciutto looks too good to be true! 
• Stove Top Kale Mac and cheese is always an easy weeknight option and so much better than boxed! 
• Try This Veggie Pasta Bake with Ricotta Cheese or this Stuffed Shells with Spinach. Technically neither are mac and cheese recipes, but since they are both baked pasta casseroles, I figured you may like them!