Prepare to elevate your mac and cheese game with this irresistible twist that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine creamy, velvety butternut squash blended into a classic comfort dish, topped with crispy sage-infused breadcrumbs that add a gourmet touch to this crowd-pleasing favorite. This isn't just another mac and cheese recipe – it's a culinary adventure that transforms a simple pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups butternut squash, roasted and pureed
- 2 cups cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- If not already prepared, roast butternut squash by cutting it in half, removing seeds, and roasting at 400°F for 40 minutes until tender. Scoop out flesh and puree in a food processor until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine roasted squash puree, milk, and half of the shredded cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Season the squash mixture with salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every pasta piece is coated evenly.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with chopped fresh sage. Sprinkle the sage breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh sage if desired.
Tips
- Roasting Secrets: For the most intense flavor, take your time roasting the butternut squash. Cut it in half and roast until it's deeply caramelized and tender, which intensifies its natural sweetness.
- Cheese Matters: Use a combination of cheeses for maximum flavor. While cheddar works great, try mixing in some gruyère or fontina for extra depth.
- Breadcrumb Perfection: Toast your breadcrumbs slightly before mixing with sage to enhance their nutty flavor and ensure a perfectly crispy topping.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare this dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Texture Tip: If the mac and cheese seems too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water to achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
- Garnish Game: Fresh sage leaves or a sprinkle of extra herbs can take this dish from great to absolutely spectacular!Pro tip: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier. Trust us, the wait will be worth it!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
