Cozy Autumn Delight: Cheesy Butternut Macaroni

The Perfect Autumn Comfort Food: Cheesy Butternut Squash Macaroni

Today, I’m excited to share a cozy and comforting dish that’s perfect for cool autumn days. This Cheesy Butternut Squash Macaroni is a twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich flavors of butternut squash with gooey, melted cheese. It’s a dish that never fails to bring warmth and happiness to my table, and I hope it does the same for you.

Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash (500g, cubed)
• 200g elbow macaroni
• 200g cheddar cheese, grated
• 300ml milk
• 50g butter
• 30g flour
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools:

• knife
• cutting board
• saucepan
• whisk
• oven-safe dish

To start, preheat your oven to 180°C. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Grate in a generous amount of fresh nutmeg for that extra warmth and depth of flavor.

In the meantime, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Add the cubed butternut squash to the cheese sauce and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the cheesy butternut squash sauce with the cooked macaroni, mixing until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and top with the grated cheddar cheese.

Bake the macaroni in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The aroma of the butternut squash and melted cheese will fill your kitchen, letting you know it’s ready.

Once out of the oven, let the macaroni cool slightly before serving. This dish weighs approximately 1200g and serves 4 people. Each serving is around 300g and is approximately 450 calories.

One unique tip for this dish is to sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking. It adds a nice crunch and extra layer of flavor to the cheesy macaroni.

I encourage you to give this Cheesy Butternut Squash Macaroni a try and make it your own by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Enjoy the flavors of autumn in a delicious and comforting way!