Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Cozy up to a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, where tender elbow macaroni meets a rich, velvety sauce made from roasted butternut squash and a blend of Parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses.

Crisp bacon and caramelized onions add savory depth, while a hint of nutmeg and dry mustard gives each bite a warm, flavorful finish to this Pasta Recipe.

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Perfect for fall dinners or anytime you crave a hearty, wholesome comfort meal, this mac and cheese is both indulgent and packed with seasonal goodness.

What Does Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Taste Like

Butternut squash mac and cheese has a creamy, slightly sweet and nutty flavor from the squash, balanced by the rich, cheesy, savory sauce.

The sweetness of the squash adds depth and a subtle natural sweetness, making the dish comforting, hearty and slightly more complex than traditional mac and cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy comfort with a subtle, naturally sweet twist from roasted squash.

• Rich and creamy: The pureed butternut squash makes the sauce velvety without heaviness.
• Savory flavor boost: Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar add a satisfying, smoky depth.
• Comfort food with a twist: Classic mac and cheese gets a seasonal, nutritious upgrade.
• Kid-approved: Mildly sweet squash pairs perfectly with gooey melted cheese.
• Easy to finish and serve: Topped with cheese and parsley for a visually appealing, family-friendly meal.

A deliciously cozy dish that turns everyday mac and cheese into a gourmet fall-inspired favorite.

A special thanks to Kitchen Aid for this fall recipe.

What Goes With Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This creamy, slightly sweet mac and cheese pairs beautifully with savory sides and light accompaniments that complement the squash flavor:

• Roasted vegetables or steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans or brussels sprouts add a fresh, crisp contrast.
• Crispy bacon or pancetta: Enhances the cheesy, comforting flavors with salty crunch.
• Simple green salad: A lemony or vinaigrette-dressed salad balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic bread or soft rolls: Perfect for scooping up extra cheesy sauce.
• Light white wine or sparkling water: Cleanses the palate and keeps the meal feeling bright.

These pairings make butternut squash mac and cheese ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or festive fall meals.

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Enjoy a cozy twist on a classic comfort dish with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, combining creamy squash sauce with cheesy noodles and crispy bacon.

Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• 6-Quart Ceramic Stockpot: to cook the macaroni noodles
• 5-Quart Ceramic Sauté Pan: to cook bacon, onions and squash
• Knife: to chop onion, bacon, and cube the squash
• Cutting board: for chopping and cubing ingredients
• Tilt-Head Stand Mixer: to puree the squash mixture until smooth and creamy
• Measuring cups and spoons: to measure milk, chicken broth, and spices
• Mixing bowl: to hold cooked squash and onions before pureeing
• Wooden spoon or spatula: to stir in cheeses and noodles

With these tools, you can create a rich and flavorful mac and cheese that’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• elbow macaroni
• center-cut bacon
• onion
• butternut squash
• chicken broth
• low-fat milk
• dry mustard
• nutmeg
• salt
• pepper
• Parmesan cheese
• sharp cheddar cheese
• parsley

How To Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Cook the macaroni noodles in a KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 6-Quart Ceramic Stockpot according to package instructions and set aside.

In a KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series 5-Quart Ceramic Sauté Pan, cook the bacon until crisp, chop, and set aside.

In the same pan, cook the chopped onion over low heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized.

Add the butternut squash cubes and 2 cups chicken broth, cover, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until the squash is tender and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Transfer the squash and onions to a bowl, add milk, remaining chicken broth, dry mustard, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt and pepper, and puree in a KitchenAid Evergreen Design Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer until smooth and creamy.

Pour the pureed sauce back into the sauté pan over low heat. Gradually stir in Parmesan and ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Add the cooked noodles and stir to combine.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, then top with chopped bacon, remaining cheese, and parsley if desired.

More Squash Recipes

Explore more squash recipes that bring wholesome flavor and cozy comfort to your meals.

• Stuffed Butternut Squash with Apple and Sausage
• Butternut Squash Soup
• Portobello and Sage Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Acorn Squash Gnocchi
• Hasselback Butternut Squash

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