Creamy Autumn Delight: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Autumn Comfort Food: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

As the leaves begin to change colors and the air turns crisp, I find myself craving comforting dishes that warm both the body and soul. Today, I’m excited to share with you my unique twist on a classic comfort food favorite: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. This creamy and flavorful dish combines the richness of mac and cheese with the sweetness of butternut squash, creating a perfect balance of indulgence and autumn flavors.

To make this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• butternut squash (500g)
• macaroni pasta (250g)
• butter (50g)
• flour (30g)
• milk (500ml)
• cheddar cheese, grated (200g)
• Parmesan cheese, grated (50g)
• nutmeg, grated
• salt
• black pepper

For this recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• baking sheet
• saucepan
• blender
• whisk

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then place it on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until tender.

While the butternut squash is roasting, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Once the milk mixture has thickened, add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of grated nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

In a blender, puree the roasted butternut squash until smooth. Add the butternut squash puree to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.

Transfer the Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

The total weight of the cooked dish is approximately 1200g, with enough servings for 4 people. Each serving weighs around 300g and provides approximately 400 calories.

One clever tip for this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is to add a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a subtle smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.

I encourage you to give this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe a try and make it your own by experimenting with different cheese blends or adding in crispy bacon or roasted Brussels sprouts. Enjoy the cozy flavors of autumn in every bite!