How to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Packed with the same flavors of your favorite mac and cheese, but much healthier! You won’t feel guilty after eating a lot of this delicious pasta. Learn how to make butternut squash mac and cheese through Preppy Kitchen‘s recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 butternut squash
• 1 medium white onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 3/4 cup of whole milk
• 1-quart chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
• salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
• 1 cup of gruyere (shredded)
• 1/4 cup of pecorino romano (shredded)
• 1 pound of pasta

For the toasted breadcrumbs:

• 4 slices of white bread
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
• 2 tablespoons of parmesan

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Instructions

Step 1:

Slice the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, and cut off the outer skin. Dice it into cubes.

Step 2:

Place a large pot over medium heat, add the onion and bay leaves. Saute until translucent. Add garlic and cook on medium low until golden. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3:

Add chopped butternut squash and stock into the pot. Let it come to a boil and cook until tender.

Step 4:

Reserve 1/2 cup of broth, then drain the squash. Remove the bay leaves and transfer the squash mixture to the blender, followed by milk, nutmeg, and reserved broth. Puree until smooth and creamy. Make a taste test and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5:

Cook the pasta in salted water based on package instructions, drain, and then transfer to a large bowl.

Step 6:

Make the toasted breadcrumbs. Remove the crust from 3 to 4 slices of bread, then chop the bread into small pieces. In a pan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the breadcrumbs and season with salt, pepper, parmesan, and thyme (if preferred). Cook until golden brown, then transfer to a bowl.

Step 7:

Pour the pureed sauce over the cooked pasta and add the cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Transfer to a baking dish.

Step 8:

Top it with breadcrumbs, then bake in the oven at 350F for 15 minutes. Once done baking, Garnish with parsley. Enjoy!

How to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese