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baked squash and sage macaroni and cheese in white baking dish

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

bakedbree
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course pasta
Cuisine American
Calories 868 kcal

Ingredients
  

Macaroni and Cheese:

  • 1 butternut squash peeled, deseeded, and cut into chunks
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 1-lb box cavatappi noodles
  • 6 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced
  • 12 sage leaves finely chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 6 Tablespoons flour
  • 2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 2 cups half-and-half
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Breadcrumb Topping:

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375°. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
  • Toss two-thirds of the squash with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, or until mostly done. The squash will continue to cook in the mac and cheese.
  • With the remaining squash, add to a microwave-safe bowl with ⅓ cup water and cover with plastic wrap. Microwave on HIGH for 8 minutes, or until very soft. Drain and mash with a fork.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • In a large saute pan, melt 2 Tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sage leaves and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Add the remaining butter and let melt. Stir in flour and dry mustard. Stir for one minute, or until it forms a thick paste.
  • Pour in half-and-half and milk a little at a time, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce has come to a bubble and is thick. Remove from heat.
  • Add 2 cups cheddar and half of the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Add the drained pasta, along with the roasted and mashed squash to the sauce. Mix to combine. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
  • Pour into a 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  • To make the topping, melt butter in a small saute pan over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and cook until toasted, about 3 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Top with remaining cheese. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling. Garnish with sage leaves. 

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Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 868kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 36gFat: 63gSaturated Fat: 36gPolyunsaturated Fat: 21gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 171mgSodium: 1301mgFiber: 3gSugar: 11g
Keyword breadcrumb topping, cheddar, fall
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