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Velvety Butternut Mac ‘n’ Cheese

The Ultimate Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: A Velvety Fall Delight

Welcome to a dish that redefines comfort food! This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Imagine a luxuriously creamy, velvety cheese sauce, infused with the subtle sweetness of roasted butternut squash, coating perfectly cooked macaroni noodles. It’s an irresistible twist on a classic, so easy to prepare, and universally loved by both adults and children. Perfect as a hearty fall entree or an unforgettable side dish for your Thanksgiving dinner table, this recipe promises to be a new family favorite.

Butternut squash mac and cheese in orange crock with copper spoon, with white crock of mac and cheese in background and fresh parsley

Celebrating Thanksgiving Week with Delicious Recipes

Today marks the exciting kickoff of Thanksgiving Week here on the blog! This is truly my favorite time of year, a dedicated week where I joyfully share an array of exquisite new recipes, ranging from tantalizing appetizers and comforting sides to festive drinks, decadent desserts, and show-stopping turkey recipes, all designed to make your big holiday meal truly special. Over the years, creating and sharing these recipes has become a cherished tradition.

This year marks my 8th anniversary of sharing Thanksgiving-inspired recipes, and with so many incredible fan favorites accumulating over time, I’ve made it a point to compile a yearly list of the Top 15 Most Popular Thanksgiving Recipes. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone looking for tried-and-true dishes that consistently impress.

Among my personal favorites that have graced our holiday tables are the rich and aromatic Rosemary Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes, the incredibly flavorful Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast, and the refreshing Cranberry Apple Sangria. Each of these brings a unique flair and unforgettable taste to the holiday spread.

This Year’s Thanksgiving Week Lineup

Get ready for an incredible week of culinary inspiration! This year’s menu is packed with simple yet sophisticated recipes that are sure to delight your guests and simplify your holiday cooking. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:

  • Monday: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese – Our featured dish, a creamy and wholesome take on a classic.
  • Tuesday: Salted Caramel Pecan Baked Brie – An elegant and easy appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
  • Wednesday: Oven Roasted Turkey with Maple Apple Reduction – A wonderfully flavorful centerpiece for your main meal.
  • Thursday: Easy Pumpkin Spice Apple Crumble – The perfect dessert to sweeten your holiday table.
  • Friday: Orange Bourbon Crock Pot Turkey Breast – An incredibly convenient and juicy turkey option for a stress-free holiday.

I genuinely cannot wait to share all these easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying recipes with you throughout this special week!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese in white crock with gold spoon and fresh chopped parsley

Crafting the Perfect Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving that perfect creamy, rich texture in this butternut squash mac and cheese is simpler than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to create a dish that’s both comforting and gourmet.

  1. Prepare the Butternut Squash Base: Begin by combining the peeled and cubed butternut squash, garlic cloves, milk, and vegetable broth in a large saucepan on your stovetop. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a medium setting and let it simmer gently for approximately 25 minutes, or until the butternut squash pieces are incredibly fork-tender and easily mashable. This ensures a smooth puree later.
  2. Cook the Macaroni Noodles: While your butternut squash is simmering away, bring a separate large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your macaroni noodles and cook them strictly according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This means they should be firm to the bite, as they will continue to cook slightly when mixed into the hot cheese sauce. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
  3. Create the Velvety Squash Puree: Once the butternut squash is perfectly tender, carefully pour the entire contents of the saucepan (squash, liquids, and garlic) into a high-speed blender or a food processor. Add the ricotta cheese, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. There should be no lumps, just a thick, velvety puree that forms the luscious base of your cheese sauce.
  4. Assemble the Mac and Cheese: Transfer the rich butternut squash puree mixture back into the large pot you used for the squash. Place the pot back on the stove over low heat. Add your cooked macaroni noodles, the grated Gruyere cheese, and the grated mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously and gently until all the cheese has completely melted into the warm butternut squash puree, creating a smooth, cohesive, and incredibly cheesy sauce that clings to every noodle.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Before serving your delectable butternut squash mac and cheese, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. For an extra touch of freshness and color, you can also add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!
Butternut squash mac and cheese with spoonful taken out of orange crock

Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delightful butternut squash mac and cheese:

  • Can I bake this mac and cheese? Absolutely! If you prefer a classic baked mac and cheese with a delightful golden breadcrumb crust, simply transfer the prepared mac and cheese mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the top with an additional 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, followed by 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Turn your oven’s broiler to high, place the baking dish on the middle rack, and bake for about 5 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn a beautiful golden brown and are crispy. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
  • Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is incredibly adaptable for those on a gluten-free diet. The butternut squash cheese sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. To make the entire dish gluten-free, all you need to do is substitute the regular macaroni noodles with your favorite brand of gluten-free macaroni noodles. Follow the package instructions for cooking time.
  • Can you use frozen butternut squash to make this recipe? You certainly can use frozen butternut squash for convenience! Frozen squash works just as well as fresh. When cooking the frozen squash with the milk, broth, and garlic, you may find that it needs an extra 5 minutes or so to become fully tender. Start checking for fork-tenderness after the initial 25 minutes, and continue cooking until it’s soft enough to puree smoothly.
  • How many cups is a pound of butternut squash? A general rule of thumb is that one pound of whole butternut squash will yield approximately 1 1/2 cups once it has been peeled, deseeded, and cubed. This is a handy measurement for planning your ingredients.
  • Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, then let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-30 minutes, covered with foil.
  • Does butternut squash mac and cheese freeze well? This dish freezes remarkably well. Once prepared and cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a little liquid if the sauce seems too thick.
Butternut Squash mac and cheese in orange crock with gold spoon and fresh parsley with white bowl of mac and cheese in the background

Explore More Mac and Cheese Creations

While our Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese offers a delightful seasonal twist, the world of mac and cheese is vast and exciting! Beyond the classic, you can effortlessly transform this beloved cheesy pasta dish by incorporating a variety of sauces, savory meats, or fresh vegetables to create entirely new flavor profiles. If you love experimenting, these popular and incredibly tasty mac and cheese recipes are a must-try:

  • Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Buffalo Sauce
  • Bratwurst Beer Mac and Cheese
  • Philly Cheesesteak Mac and Cheese
  • Cajun Mac and Cheese
  • BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Discover More Butternut Squash Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with the sweet, nutty, and versatile flavor of this quintessential winter squash, you’re in for a treat! Butternut squash is incredibly adaptable and shines in a wide range of dishes, from creamy risottos to vibrant salads. Here are some other delicious recipes that highlight the incredible versatility and rich taste of butternut squash:

  • Butternut Squash Risotto
  • Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
  • Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Butternut Squash
  • Butternut Squash Sausage Strudel
  • Roasted Butternut Squash Spinach Kale Salad
  • Butternut Squash Apple Bruschetta

What’s your absolute favorite way to incorporate butternut squash into your cooking? Share your culinary secrets in the comments below! And, of course, if you declare this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe your top choice, you’ll earn some bonus points from me!

Don’t forget to pin this Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe on Pinterest for easy access later. And when you create this delicious dish, be sure to share a picture on Instagram and tag me @WhitneyBond or use the hashtag #WBRecipes! I love seeing your culinary creations!

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This vegetarian butternut squash mac and cheese is the creamiest, most velvety, and utterly delicious mac and cheese you’ll ever taste. It’s incredibly easy to make and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
Servings:
4 people
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Author:
Whitney Bond
Course:
Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine:
American
Butternut squash mac and cheese in white bowl with gold spoon on orange striped towel with fresh parsley
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Ingredients

  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled & cubed
  • 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 pound macaroni noodles, uncooked
  • ¼ cup ricotta cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

Optional Topping

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Add the butternut squash, vegetable broth, milk, and garlic to a large pot on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the squash is tender, approximately 25 minutes.
  3. In the meantime, cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. Once the squash is tender, carefully pour the contents of the pot into a blender or food processor.
  5. Add the ricotta cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
  6. Transfer the pureed mixture from the blender back into the pot on the stove over low heat.
  7. Add the cooked macaroni noodles, grated Gruyere, and mozzarella cheese; stir until all the cheese is completely melted into the sauce.
  8. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired, before serving.

Notes

Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free macaroni noodles. The butternut squash cheese sauce is naturally gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 789kcal (39%)
Carbohydrates 105g (35%)
Protein 38g (76%)
Fat 24g (37%)
Saturated Fat 14g (70%)
Cholesterol 77mg (26%)
Sodium 976mg (41%)
Potassium 818mg (23%)
Fiber 6g (24%)
Sugar 11g (12%)
Vitamin A 12225mg (245%)
Vitamin C 25mg (30%)
Calcium 720mg (72%)
Iron 3mg (17%)

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