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Butternut Squash

Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese
Author: 
Recipe type: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 8-10 servings
 
Instead of the traditional buttery, heavy sauce, we turned to an unlikely hero for a healthy boost: butternut squash!
Ingredients
  • ½ medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, & chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt & pepper
  • ½ pound elbow macaroni
  • 2½ cups milk, divided
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¾ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Place butternut squash chunks on a large baking sheet.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and toss.
  4. Sprinkle with salt & pepper.
  5. Roast for 20-30 minutes or until tender, turning once.
  6. While the butternut squash is roasting, cook macaroni according to package directions, drain well and set aside.
  7. Add butternut squash to food processor or blender and puree until smooth.
  8. Add in ½ cup of the milk and puree again-this will help thin out the butternut squash.
  9. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the butter.
  10. When the butter is melted whisk in the flour.
  11. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes, whisking constantly, or until flour mixture smells nutty.
  12. Add the remaining 2 cups of milk and whisk until mixture is smooth.
  13. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil while continuing to whisk.
  14. After sauce has thickened, turn heat to low and whisk in butternut squash mixture.
  15. Add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir until the macaroni noodles are well coated. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  16. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish.
  17. Pour half of the macaroni noodles into the pan.
  18. Sprinkle half of the aged cheddar and sharp cheddar over the macaroni noodles.
  19. Add the remaining noodles and then top with the rest of the cheese.
  20. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
  21. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until macaroni and cheese is bubbling.
  22. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  23. Serve warm.

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