Name: Heavenly Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups milk; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Oh, mac and cheese… is there anything more comforting? I don’t think so! But you know what? I got bored with the same old, same old. So, I started playing around, and *wow*, did I hit the jackpot! Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese! It sounds kinda fancy, right? But trust me, it’s still pure comfort food, just with a little something extra. The sweetness of the butternut squash with that cheesy goodness? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. My kids go absolutely nuts for it, and honestly, so do I. It’s become a total staple in our house, and I just *have* to share the secret!

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Seriously, you *need* this in your life. Why? Let me tell you!

It’s a Flavor Explosion

The butternut squash? It adds this subtle sweetness that you wouldn’t expect. It’s a total game changer, trust me!

Comfort Food with a Healthy Twist

Okay, it’s still mac and cheese, so let’s not pretend it’s a salad! But that butternut squash? It’s *gotta* be better than just plain pasta, right?

Easy to Make

Don’t let the “butternut squash” scare you off! This is seriously simple. Weeknight dinner? Sorted!

Perfect for Any Occasion

From a cozy night in to a potluck with friends, this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is always a hit. Always!

Ingredients for Your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This isn’t complicated, promise. Here’s what you’ll need for the *best* Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese *ever*:

1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 2 pounds – don’t stress the exact weight!)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting – any kind you like!)
Salt and pepper to taste (duh!)
1 pound elbow macaroni (the classic, ya know?)
4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted, your call)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (just the regular stuff)
3 cups milk (I use 2%, but whole milk makes it extra creamy!)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (don’t skip this, it’s magic!)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but I *love* the kick!)
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my fave!)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, if you can!)

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How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here we go! Don’t be scared, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have the most amazing Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese in no time.

Roasting the Butternut Squash

First things first: crank that oven up to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, grab your cubed butternut squash, toss it with that olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet, and roast for 20-25 minutes, until it’s nice and tender. You should be able to easily poke it with a fork.

Cooking the Macaroni

While the squash is roasting, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions. But! Don’t overcook it! You want it al dente – a little firm to the bite. Drain it and set it aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

Now for the cheesy goodness! Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until it’s smooth – no lumps allowed! Gradually whisk in the milk until *that’s* smooth too. Bring it to a simmer, stirring like crazy so it doesn’t burn. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it’s thickened up. Stir in the nutmeg and cayenne pepper (if you’re using it – I highly recommend!).

Combining Everything for the Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Take the saucepan off the heat. Now, stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until they’re all melted and smooth. Oooey goooey! Then, gently stir in the roasted butternut squash and the cooked macaroni. Make sure everything’s nicely coated in that cheesy sauce.

Baking the Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish (or whatever you have – close enough is fine!). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Mmm!

Resting and Serving

Let the Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. I know, it’s hard to wait! But trust me, it’s worth it. This lets it set up a bit, so it’s not too soupy. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Want to take your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese to the *next level*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way.

Use High-Quality Cheese

Seriously, don’t skimp on the cheese! The better the cheese, the better the flavor. Trust me on this one!

Don’t Overcook the Macaroni

Mushy mac? No, thanks! Al dente is the way to go. It’ll finish cooking in the oven, so keep it a little firm.

Season to Taste

Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or even a little extra nutmeg! Taste as you go and adjust to your liking. It’s *your* mac and cheese now!

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy! Here are a few ways to jazz up your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

Add Bacon

Everything’s better with bacon, right? Cook up some crispy bacon and crumble it over the top. Smoky, salty, delicious!

Use Different Cheeses

Cheddar’s great, but why stop there? Gruyere, Gouda, even a little bit of pepper jack… experiment! Find your fave combo!

Add Breadcrumbs

Want some crunch? Mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the top before baking. Toasty and yum!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

So, you’ve got this amazing Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese… what do you serve with it? Honestly, it’s pretty great on its own! But if you’re feeling fancy, a simple side salad is always a winner. Or, if you’re *really* hungry, some roasted chicken or a grilled sausage would be perfect! Simple, easy, done!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This stuff is just as good the next day (or even the day after that!). Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, a quick zap in the microwave works wonders. Or, if you’re feeling patient, bake it in the oven until it’s bubbly again. Yum!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about this amazing Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Sure thing! Frozen squash is a lifesaver when you’re short on time. Just thaw it out a bit and pat it dry before roasting. It might be a *tad* wetter than fresh, but it’ll still taste great in your mac and cheese!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yep! You can totally assemble the whole Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge for up to a day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to bake it. Easy peasy!

How long will leftovers last?

In the fridge, your leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese should be good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. If you see any mold, though, toss it! Better safe than sorry, ya know?

Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers! Now, keep in mind, I’m just a home cook, not a nutritionist. So, these are *estimates*, and they can totally change depending on the brands you use and how big your servings are. But, just to give you a general idea…

A serving of this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese (about 1 cup) has roughly:

Calories: Ummm… a good amount! (Okay, around 450)
Fat: Let’s just say it’s cheesy! (About 25g)
Carbs: Pasta, ya know? (Around 40g)
Protein: Gotta get those muscles! (Around 20g)

So, yeah, it’s not exactly a health food. But hey, it’s delicious! And everything in moderation, right? Just enjoy it!

Disclaimer: These nutritional values are estimates only and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. I’m not responsible if your jeans suddenly feel tighter!

Enjoy Your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese!

Alright, go make this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese! Then, come back and tell me what you think! And hey, snap a pic and share it on social media – tag me, I wanna see!