Sneaking vegetables into creamy, decadent-tasting pasta sauces makes me feel oddly powerful. The latest bit of magic: Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese!
Steamed and pureed butternut squash is the foundation for this velvety cheese sauce.
Need butternut squash mac and cheese for toddlers (or those with toddler palates?).
Because butternut squash is mild and sweet, picky eaters will never suspect it’s loaded with veggies (mwahaha!).
- Like my Pumpkin Mac and Cheese and Instant Pot Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, this easy butternut squash mac and cheese tastes much more indulgent than it is, thanks to healthy swaps like Greek yogurt and whole wheat pasta in place of white.
- I did make this butternut squash mac and cheese with bacon and breadcrumbs (because, tasty!), but you can leave these out if you prefer to keep things as lean as possible.
This healthy butternut squash mac and cheese is also make-ahead friendly.
Keep this recipe in mind for make-ahead dinners and future holidays.
I have all the storage and meal-prep tips you need below.
How to Make Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
To make this tasty butternut squash macaroni and cheese as quick and easy as possible, I used frozen, steam-in-the-bag cubed butternut squash. You can swap fresh or roasted too.
We paired this butternut squash recipe with Slow Cooker Pulled Pork, but it can easily be a stellar stand-alone dish, perhaps with an Apple Walnut Salad, or coupled with a more elegant entrée like Crockpot Pork Roast or Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast.
The Ingredients
- Whole Wheat Pasta. An instant way to bump up the nutritional value of any pasta recipe. Looking for the same goodness sans pasta? Check out my Cauliflower Mac and Cheese.
- Butternut Squash. Adds sweet, nutty deliciousness to our scrumptious sauce without detracting from the cheesy flavor. Plus, butternut squash is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Can’t get enough of Butternut Squash? You’ll love my Butternut Squash Pasta.
- Bacon or Pancetta. Hello, crowd-pleasing, MVP addition! The drippings add a wonderful savoriness to the sauce.
- Nonfat Milk. Helps make the sauce creamy.
- Dry Mustard. Accentuates the cheesy flavors without being overpowering.
- Spices. Nutmeg is a classic in creamy sauces and provides nuttiness; cayenne gives just a hint of spice. The spices bring out the flavor of butternut squash.
- Cheeses. Parmesan and sharp cheddar are the ideal cheeses for this butternut squash mac and cheese. The Parmesan acts as a salty complement and the sharp cheddar makes this recipe as all-American as, well, macaroni and cheese!
Tip!
Rather than purchasing already shredded cheese in a bag, grate it yourself right off the block.
- Pre-shredded cheeses are coated with a starchy substance meant to reduce clumping. That substance will cause your cheese not to melt as smoothly.
- Off-the-block cheese is usually less expensive than pre-shredded too.
- Greek Yogurt. Makes the sauce extra creamy and slightly tangy, just like in my classic Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Make sure to use full-fat Greek yogurt so it doesn’t curdle.
- Parmesan Breadcrumb Topping. Cheesy and crispy. Need I say more?
The Directions
- Steam and drain the squash. Transfer it to a blender. Cook the pasta and stir together the topping.
- Cook the bacon. Remove it to a paper towel-lined plate. Sauté the shallot in the bacon drippings.
- Pour the milk and broth into the blender. Blend until smooth, then pour the butternut squash puree into the pot and add the other spices.
- Simmer the sauce to thicken.
- Whisk in the cheeses and yogurt.
- Stir in the noodles and bacon.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, and scatter the breadcrumb topping mixture over the top.
- Bake butternut squash mac and cheese at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes. Top with fresh chives and ENJOY!
Wine Pairing
Butternut squash mac and cheese pairs well with Chardonnay or Riesling. If you prefer reds, try a fruity Pinot Noir or Malbec.
Storage Tips
- To Store. Refrigerate mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
- To Freeze. Freeze mac and cheese in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep Tip
Up to 1 day in advance, steam the squash cubes, cut the bacon or pancetta, chop the shallot, and grate the cheeses. Refrigerate each ingredient in a separate airtight storage container.
Leftover Ideas
Bulk up your mac and cheese leftovers by stirring in some Crock Pot Shredded Chicken or ground meat (turkey or beef would be tasty).
What to Pair with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Butternut squash’s lightly sweet, caramelized flavor makes it ideal for pairing with a wide range of proteins, including chicken, pork, and beef. It also works well in hearty vegetarian mains.
If we can turn a healthy, nutrient-dense vegetable into a creamy pan of mac and cheese bliss, is there anything we can’t do?
Exercise your pasta powers tonight!
Frequently Asked Questions
To make vegetarian butternut squash mac and cheese, simply omit the bacon. Sauté the shallot in 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil instead of the bacon drippings.
I have not tried making this as a vegan butternut squash mac and cheese. If you’re making this recipe for vegans, you could experiment by swapping in a vegan cheese, dairy-free milk, and dairy-free Greek yogurt. You’ll also need to omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Add some nutritional yeast for an extra boost of cheesy flavor.
While this is not a spicy butternut squash mac and cheese, if you need it to be completely spice-free, you can omit the cayenne pepper.
To add some extra flavor without as much heat, try a pinch of black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.
Yes, you can use any unflavored milk you have on hand. I used nonfat milk to keep things light, but any dairy milk, soy milk, or milk made with almonds or cashews will work fine.
If you’d like to incorporate additional veggies, I think Roasted Broccoli, Sautéed Mushrooms, or Roasted Garlic would be delicious.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen cubed butternut squash or fresh squash cut into 3/4-inch cubes, about 1 small squash
- 4 strips bacon or pancetta* cut into bite-sized pieces, optional
- 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot or yellow onion
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 16 ounces whole wheat pasta use any chunky shape, such as cavatappi (pictured), rigatoni or penne
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese about 4 ounces
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese about 3/4 ounce
- 2/3 cup whole plain Greek yogurt do not use low fat or fat free or it may curdle
- Chopped fresh chives optional, for serving
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese about 3/4 ounce
- 1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Steam the squash according to package instructions until fork tender (if cooking fresh squash, bring a large pot of water boil. Add squash and boil until tender, 4-6 minutes.). Drain the squash, then transfer to a blender.
- Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven or similar deep, wide pot, cook the bacon over medium-low for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fat is rendered (don’t rush it or the bacon will burn). With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and lightly pat dry. Discard all but 1/2 tablespoon drippings from the pot.
- Return the pot to medium-low heat. Add the shallot and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- In a separate pot, cook the pasta until nearly al dente. It shouldn’t be completely crunchy but when you taste it, it should still be too firm to eat. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, stir together the topping ingredients: Parmesan, panko, and olive oil. Set aside.
- Add the milk and broth to the blender with the squash. Blend until smooth, then pour into the pot with the shallot. Add the mustard, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne. Stir until combined.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat as needed to maintain a steady simmer. Simmer, stirring very often to prevent sticking, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the cheddar, Parmesan, and Greek yogurt until smooth. Taste and add additional seasoning as desired.
- Gently stir the noodles and bacon into the sauce.
- Scoop into the prepared baking dish (it will seem very saucy). Sprinkle the topping mixture over the top.
- Bake the butternut squash mac and cheese for 25 minutes, then turn the oven to broil. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until the Panko is lightly browned. DO NOT walk away or the topping may burn when you let expect it. Sprinkle with fresh chives. Let cool a few minutes, then enjoy hot.
Notes
- *For a vegetarian butternut squash mac and cheese, omit the bacon. Sauté the shallot in 1/2 tablespoon olive oil instead of the bacon drippings.
- Adapted from my Pumpkin Mac & Cheese.
- TO STORE: Refrigerate mac and cheese in an airtight storage container for up to 3 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F or in the microwave.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze mac and cheese in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Join today and start saving your favorite recipes
Create an account to easily save your favorite recipes and access FREE meal plans.
Sign Me UpMore Delicious Mac and Cheese Recipes
Skip the boxed elbow macaroni and try one of these tasty homemade recipes!
when do you add the stock? Nancy
Hi Nancy! Thanks so much for letting me know! You add it with the milk! I’ve updated it in the recipe card! Thanks again! Hope you enjoy it!
I’d make this again — its so much more healthier compared to my delish mac n cheese that’ll make the south so darn proud. This one is something I can make without trailing far off my goal to eat healthier and better. My boyfriend even loves it!
Hi Dani! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi Erin,
Would I be able to make this casserole up to step 11 about 2-3 hours in advance and store in the fridge before placing in the oven? Thanks!
Hi Selena! My initial thought would be yes the only problem you may run into is that your creamy sauce will thicken up in the refrigerator, which would require you to bake it longer. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
This was so delicious. Hard to stop eating it! Best butternut squash mac and cheese we have made. Lots going on when making the recipe, but worth every step!
Hi Selena! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Hi Erin, if I’m making this with fresh squash is it ok to roast the cubes in the oven rather than boiling? Thanks!
Hi Kristin! You probably could, it will just take much longer to prep them. Hope you enjoy it!
Hey! If I don’t have a dish like this one should I use an 8 by 8 or a 9 by 12?
Hi Hannah! 9 by 12 would work! The one I use is 9 x 13 so it’s pretty close in size. Hope you enjoy it!
This was incredibly good and incredibly easy! I steamed my fresh squash in the microwave and added more bacon than called for, otherwise I followed the recipe. It was delicious on the day and delicious all week long as leftovers I took for lunch. I will definitely be making this again.
Hi S.Young! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!