Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Mac n' Cheese with Bacon
Prep time: 60 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 box whole grain elbow macaroni (about 2.5 cups dry); 1 cup canned butternut squash puree; 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons evaporated milk; 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 1 oz low fat cream cheese; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/2 cup onions, sliced thinly; 1 large crispy apple, chopped or grated

This butternut squash mac n’ cheese recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. Combining the creaminess of butternut squash with savory bacon, sweet apples, and deeply caramelized onions, it’s a dish that promises a rich flavor experience. Perfect for a cozy evening or a special gathering, this squash mac elevates the humble mac n’ cheese into something truly extraordinary. It’s designed to be approachable for home cooks while delivering restaurant-quality taste.

⏱ Time: 60 min

👥 Servings: 4-6

📊 Level: Medium

🥗 10 ingredients

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese with Bacon

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Prep Time 1

Total Time 1

Servings: 6

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

1/2 box whole grain elbow macaroni (about 2.5 cups dry)
1 cup canned butternut squash puree
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 oz low fat cream cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup onions, sliced thinly
1 large crispy apple, chopped or grated

Method

Heat butter in a skillet over low heat. When melted, add onions and let caramelize for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor. Keep heat on low/low-medium.
Cook the pasta according to directions. Drain and return to pan over low heat. Add butternut squash, chicken broth, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. When combined, add in salt.
Add caramelized onions and chopped apple to the pasta. Stir to combine and add a tablespoon more broth or milk if needed.
Just before serving, mix in cheese and stir until melted. Top each serving with bacon.

Notes

– For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately until perfectly rendered.
– Ensure onions are truly caramelized and sweet, not just browned.
– Use a sharp, crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture contrast.

Pro tips

For extra crispy bacon, cook it separately until perfectly rendered.
Ensure onions are truly caramelized and sweet, not just browned.
Use a sharp, crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture contrast.

Enjoy this uniquely flavorful butternut squash mac n’ cheese as a satisfying main course or a decadent side dish. Experiment with different cheese blends for endless variations.

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