Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese with Sage Butter
Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese with Sage Butter is a delightful blend of creamy cheese and sweet roasted butternut squash, elevated by aromatic sage butter. This comforting dish not only warms the soul but also brings family and friends together around the dinner table. Ideal for cozy nights or festive gatherings, each bite bursts with flavor, making it a memorable culinary experience everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp fresh sage leaves
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast butternut squash on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil for 30-40 minutes until tender.
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer.
- Add cheeses to the sauce and stir until melted and creamy.
- Mash roasted squash until smooth and mix with pasta and cheese sauce.
- In a skillet, melt additional butter with sage until fragrant; drizzle over the mac and cheese before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added crunch, consider mixing in crispy bacon bits or using alternative cheeses like gouda or mozzarella. Experiment with herbs: thyme or rosemary can add delightful flavors.