Published 10/20/2023 • Updated 11/5/2024 You guys know we are cheese lovers (Hello, sister site Cheese Knees!). Well, we’re also butternut squash lovers which is why this butternut squash mac and cheese was a no-brainer for Fit Foodie Finds! When testing this recipe, we tried it with steamed butternut squash and roasted butternut squash, and roasted was hands-down more flavorful. The addition of garlic and onion is essential for that bold, hearty flavor you love.
Ingredients Needed for Baked Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This butternut squash mac and cheese comes together with simple whole ingredients in three separate elements — the sauce, the pasta, and the breadcrumb topping.
Sauce: the butternut squash cheese sauce is made with roasted butternut squash, onion, and garlic. It’s blended with 2% milk, pasta water, and shredded cheese. Breadcrumb topping: This is a simple bread crumb topping with savory flavors that complement the flavor of the sauce and the sage-infused pasta. You need plain bread crumbs, and some spices. Pasta: This pasta is cooked to al dente in a combination of broth and water + sage and ground cloves, all of which infuse into the pasta noodles themselves for insanely amazing flavor.
Easy Substitutions + Variations
Pasta: We love how fun cavatappi noodles are in this butternut squash mac and cheese! Rigatoni, fusilli or penne would be great options as well. Cheese: really any kind of shredded cheese works for this recipe, but we do recommend using at least half shredded cheddar. Feel free to try Gryeure or Colby Jack. Swap the Butternut Squash: feel free to use another squash-like vegetable such as pumpkin or sweet potato instead of the butternut squash. You’ll still get that sweet and savory combo with those two options. Add a protein: we’ve made this recipe by adding some cooked shredded chicken and it was a fantastic way to add more protein.
Storage Instructions
Store this butternut squash mac and cheese in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
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Reheating Mac and Cheese
The key to reheating mac and cheese is to add a little moisture (milk works great!) since the noodles continue to absorb moisture even after they’re originally cooked, and to reheat low and slow to avoid the cheese breaking down and changing texture.
Reheat in the oven
If you have time to reheat your butternut squash mac and cheese in the oven, that is a great method! Simply add a little milk (start with a tablespoon, and go up from there depending on how much mac you’re reheating!), and stir thoroughly before covering an oven-safe dish and placing in the oven at 350°F. You’ll need 10-20 minutes of reheating time, depending on how much mac you’re reheating.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is the perfect Thanksgiving or holiday side dish. You can eat it as a main meal or serve it as a side. If you’re looking for a protein, try our pan-fried chicken breast or sous vide steak.
