Creamy Butternut Squash Mac n' Cheese with Bacon
Enjoy this comforting squash mac n' cheese, featuring creamy butternut squash, tender macaroni, and savory bacon for a delightful meal.
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
Instructions
- 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. Allergens: Milk, Wheat. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- 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. Allergens: Milk, Wheat. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.