Frederic Melton
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a unique and tasty dish that is perfect for fall. The addition of butternut squash to the traditional mac and cheese recipe creates a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish with a subtle sweetness. The butternut squash also adds extra nutrients and a beautiful golden hue to the dish. This recipe is flexible and can be made with various types of pasta and cheese, allowing you to customise it to your preferences. Overall, butternut squash mac and cheese is a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Creamy, cheesy, nutty, sweet, garlicky |
| Texture | Smooth, silky |
| Ingredients | Butternut squash, pasta, cheese, butter, olive oil, garlic, onion powder, water, salt, pepper, milk, breadcrumbs |
| Variations | Pumpkin, kale, gouda, cheddar, parmesan, nutmeg, chicken broth, vegetable broth, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, balsamic vinegar, ground sage, almond milk, panko breadcrumbs, thyme, bacon, pine nuts, pepitas |
| Preparation time | 30 minutes |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days |
| Reheating | Microwave or stovetop over medium-low heat |
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What You'll Learn
- Butternut squash mac and cheese is a great way to sneak veggies into your kids' meals
- It's a wholesome, satisfying, and flavourful vegetarian meal
- The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness to the cheesy flavour
- It's a good option for a comforting fall or winter meal
- It's easy to make and you can use pre-cubed squash and pre-shredded cheese to speed things up
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a great way to sneak veggies into your kids' meals
Preparing butternut squash can be a bit tricky due to its large size and dense texture. To safely cut and prepare butternut squash, start by placing a lightly damp tea towel beneath your cutting board to prevent it from moving. Use a sharp chef's knife to cut off the ends of the squash and then carefully slice it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a large spoon and discard them. From there, you can roast the squash, boil it, or use pre-cut or frozen squash to speed up the process.
The butternut squash puree is the key ingredient that makes this dish so creamy and delicious. To make the puree, blend roasted or boiled butternut squash with olive oil, seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and sage, and a liquid such as milk or vegetable broth. This puree then becomes the base of your cheese sauce, adding a subtle sweetness and a nutritional boost.
The best part about butternut squash mac and cheese is that it's a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. The squash adds a unique flavor that blends seamlessly into the sauce, making it a great way to sneak veggies into your children's meals without them even noticing. The dish is also versatile, allowing you to use different types of pasta shapes, cheeses, and additional ingredients like kale or breadcrumbs to suit your preferences.
So, if you're looking for a creative way to incorporate more vegetables into your family's diet, butternut squash mac and cheese is an excellent option. It's a cozy and comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds, and it might even become your new go-to recipe for busy weeknights!
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It's a wholesome, satisfying, and flavourful vegetarian meal
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a wholesome, satisfying, and flavourful vegetarian meal. It is a great option for those looking for a comforting dish that is not too heavy or rich. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the dish, while the cheese provides a tangy and nutty flavour. The result is a perfectly balanced and delicious meal.
The addition of butternut squash also boosts the nutritional value of the dish. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as fibre and potassium. This makes the dish a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese, without sacrificing taste.
The recipe is also very versatile. You can use a variety of pasta shapes, such as shells, elbow macaroni, or pipe rigate. For a gluten-free option, brown rice-based pasta can be used. The type of cheese can also be customised to your preference, with options like Gruyère, sharp cheddar, pecorino, or Parmesan.
The recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in advance. The squash can be roasted and pureed beforehand, and the final dish can be baked and stored in the refrigerator for several days. This makes it a convenient option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a unique and tasty twist on a classic comfort food. It offers a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience, perfect for those seeking a vegetarian meal that is both nourishing and indulgent. With its blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and the subtle sweetness of butternut squash, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
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The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness to the cheesy flavour
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a delightful, creamy, and cheesy dish that is perfect for a cosy fall dinner. The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness to the cheesy flavour. The natural sweetness of butternut squash blends seamlessly with the cheese sauce, creating a unique and mouth-watering taste. The addition of butternut squash also amps up the golden hue of the dish, making it visually appealing.
The preparation of butternut squash mac and cheese typically involves roasting the squash and blending it into a creamy puree. This puree is then incorporated into the cheese sauce, adding a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavour profile. The squash also contributes to the creaminess of the sauce, resulting in a decadent and indulgent texture.
When making butternut squash mac and cheese, it is essential to start with a sharp chef's knife and a stable cutting board. Butternut squash is large and dense, so proper handling is crucial. After cutting off the ends, slice the squash in half lengthwise and use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and pulp. From there, you can cube the squash and roast it or cook it in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavour.
The type of pasta used in butternut squash mac and cheese is versatile, with options such as elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, orecchiette, or any other shape of your choice. As for the cheese, a blend of white and yellow Cheddar, Gruyere, sharp cheddar, and pecorino or Parmesan can be used to create a perfectly balanced flavour profile. Grating your own cheese is recommended to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both adults and children. It offers a comforting and satisfying dining experience, perfect for fall and winter weeknight meals. The dish can be paired with light side dishes, such as steamed or roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad. Overall, the addition of butternut squash creates a subtle sweetness that elevates the traditional mac and cheese, making it a delicious and comforting meal for all ages.
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It's a good option for a comforting fall or winter meal
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a great option for a comforting fall or winter meal. The dish is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, with a subtle sweetness from the squash that enhances the rich, cheesy flavour. It is also a good option for those who are looking for a comforting meal without feeling sluggish afterward. The addition of butternut squash makes the dish extra creamy, and the recipe can be adapted to use either roasted or pureed squash.
The recipe is flexible, and a variety of pasta shapes can be used, including macaroni noodles, shells, casarecce, cavatelli, fusilli, and more. The dish can also be made gluten-free by using brown rice-based fusilli. The butternut squash mac and cheese can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it pairs well with simple vegetable side dishes like steamed or roasted broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad.
The key to the dish's success is in the preparation of the butternut squash. It is important to start with a sharp chef's knife and a stable cutting board when cutting the squash. The thickest flat side of the squash should be used as the base, and it should be carefully sliced through from top to bottom to divide it in half. The seeds can be discarded, and the squash can be roasted or boiled before being pureed to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
The cheese sauce is then made by warming milk and stirring in the squash puree until it is warmed through. Shredded cheese is gradually added, ensuring each addition melts fully before adding more. The cooked pasta is then added to the sauce and stirred to coat. The dish can be baked in the oven with a topping of breadcrumbs and extra cheese, or it can be served as-is.
The butternut squash mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. It can also be frozen for up to three months, although the noodle texture may not hold up perfectly. Overall, butternut squash mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for fall or winter meals.
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It's easy to make and you can use pre-cubed squash and pre-shredded cheese to speed things up
Butternut squash mac and cheese is a delightful, tasty, and creamy dish that can be prepared quickly and easily. The recipe is flexible, and you can use pre-cubed squash and pre-shredded cheese to speed things up.
To make butternut squash mac and cheese, you'll need the following ingredients: butternut squash, elbow macaroni or any other pasta shape of your choice, butter, olive oil, garlic, onion or shallots, milk, cheese, and seasonings like salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme.
Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a separate pan, melt the butter and add the chopped onions or shallots. Sauté until they are softened, then add the butternut squash, garlic, and seasonings. Cook this mixture until it is fragrant, and then pour in the vegetable broth or water. Continue cooking until the squash is tender.
Next, make the squash puree by blending the cooked squash mixture until it is smooth. You can add milk to the blender to adjust the consistency. Then, make the cheese sauce by heating milk in a pan and whisking in the squash puree. Gradually add the shredded cheese, ensuring each addition melts fully before adding more. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until it is well coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top it with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake it in the oven until it is golden and bubbly. The dish is now ready to be served!
Using pre-cubed squash and pre-shredded cheese can save time and effort in preparing this dish. Pre-cubed squash eliminates the need for peeling, seeding, and chopping a whole butternut squash, which can be a challenging task due to its large size and dense texture. Pre-shredded cheese saves you from having to grate or shred a block of cheese, which can be a messy and time-consuming process. However, it is worth noting that pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents, which can affect its melting properties and cause clumping when melted.
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Frequently asked questions
Butternut squash mac and cheese has a rich, earthy, nutty flavour with a light sweetness. It is creamy and cheesy, with a subtle sweetness to the rich, cheesy flavour.
Butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture to mac and cheese, making it a great option for those who want a comforting meal without feeling too heavy or sluggish afterwards. It also adds extra nutrients and can help to hide vegetables for those who are veggie-averse.
Here are some tips for making butternut squash mac and cheese:
- Use pre-cut or frozen squash to save time.
- Grate your own cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Use whole milk for a rich sauce.
- Add extra garnishes such as breadcrumbs, pumpkin seeds, or pine nuts.
