Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds absolutely thrilled! I’m about to show you how to create the ultimate Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore with Butternut Squash and Sage. This dish is an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to flavor paradise. So, Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore with Butternut Squash and Sage
This Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore is an absolute game-changer! We’re taking the classic comfort food and turning it into a sensational, mouth-watering masterpiece. The rich and creamy mac and cheese base is infused with the incredible flavors of roasted butternut squash and fragrant sage. It’s an epic fusion of sweet, savory, and cheesy goodness that will have you coming back for more. This dish is the ultimate in cozy, indulgent, and totally crave-worthy comfort food. Prepare to be blown away by the incredible flavors and textures in every bite!
Ingredients
Get ready for the ultimate ingredient lineup! We’re talking creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the natural sweetness of butternut squash and the aromatic punch of fresh sage. You’ll need elbow macaroni, butternut squash, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh sage leaves, salt, and black pepper.
- 1 lb – Elbow macaroni
- 1 medium – Butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp – All-purpose flour
- 3 cups – Whole milk
- 2 cups – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1⁄4 cup – Fresh sage leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 1⁄2 tsp – Black pepper
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butternut Squash: Pumpkin or acorn squash (both have a similar sweet, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the mac and cheese)
- Fresh Sage: Fresh thyme or rosemary (for a different aromatic twist)
How to Make Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore with Butternut Squash and Sage
Okay, foodie fam, let’s get cooking! This dish may sound fancy, but I promise it’s a total breeze to whip up. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be well on your way to flavor paradise!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Peel, seed, and dice the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Arrange the squash cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the squash is fork-tender.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes golden brown. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until they’re melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Add the cooked macaroni and roasted butternut squash cubes to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese galore to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with additional cheddar cheese, if desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and sprinkle with the fresh sage leaves. Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving. Get ready for the ultimate flavor explosion!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crispy Bacon or Sautéed Mushrooms: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try adding some crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the mac and cheese galore.
- Cheese Blend: Swap out the cheddar cheese for a blend of cheeses, like smoked Gouda or fontina, for a unique twist.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking for a delightful crunch.
- Veggie-Based Protein: Add some roasted chickpeas or another plant-based protein to make this dish even more satisfying.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or roasted veggies.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese galore up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it according to the instructions when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore is a true indulgence, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients like butternut squash, which is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as fiber. Each serving delivers a satisfying dose of carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. So go ahead and indulge in this epic dish – your tastebuds (and your body) will thank you!
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 57 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese galore up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it according to the instructions.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen butternut squash cubes instead of fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the mac and cheese.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free elbow macaroni. It’s an easy swap that keeps this recipe deliciously inclusive.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Cooked crumbled bacon, sautéed chicken, or even some veggie-based protein like roasted chickpeas would be a fantastic addition to this Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore.
How spicy is this dish?
This Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore is not spicy at all. It’s a creamy, comforting, and totally crave-worthy dish that’s perfect for the whole family. If you do want to add a little heat, try stirring in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Try These Next
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- Fiery Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake With Crispy Topping
- Creamy Garlic Herb Mac And Cheese With Crispy Topping
Harvest Mac & Cheese Galore with Butternut Squash and Sage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Harvest Mac & Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish featuring roasted butternut squash and fragrant sage. Perfect for fall gatherings!
Ingredients
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 2 cups milk
– 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
4. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a baking dish. Roast for 25 minutes or until tender.
5. In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Gradually whisk in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked macaroni, roasted squash, sage, and nutmeg to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
7. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
8.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, you can add more milk to the cheese sauce.
– Feel free to substitute other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: butternut squash, mac and cheese, comfort food, fall recipes