Description
Cheesy Baked Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese combines the comforting flavors of creamy pasta, roasted butternut squash, and a blend of cheeses for a delightful meal. It’s an easy dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or cozy gatherings, promising to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Enjoy the healthy twist with this flavorful, homemade recipe!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large butternut squash
- 2 shallots, roughly chopped (â…” cup)
- 1 pound shell pasta, or pipe rigate or elbows
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk
- 6 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese, about 2½ cups
- 6 ounces grated gruyere cheese, about 2½ cups
- 1½ ounces finely grated pecorino cheese, ½ cup
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on the baking sheet. Wrap the shallots in foil with olive oil and salt, and place on the baking sheet to roast for 30 to 45 minutes until soft.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with olive oil for the topping.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1½ cups of pasta water before draining.
- Measure 2 cups of cooked, soft squash flesh and blend with the reserved pasta water, roasted shallots, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, and pepper until creamy.
- Heat almond milk in the pasta pot over medium heat. Stir in the squash sauce and warm for 3 minutes. Gradually add melted cheeses, whisking until fully melted before adding more. Stir in the pasta until coated.
- Preheat the broiler, transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish, top with panko, and broil for 5 to 10 minutes until crisp and browned.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or ham to the pasta mixture.
Ensure the cheese is fully melted for a creamy texture in the sauce.
Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving to help set the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg