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Butternut Squash Mac Cheese Bake

This butternut squash mac cheese bake is a creamy and comforting casserole, blending sweet squash with sharp cheeses and a crunchy topping.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Squash
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
  • 2 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash (1/2-inch cubes)
Cheese Sauce Base
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 2.5 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
  • 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Cook the Squash
  1. Place the cubed butternut squash in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and microwave for 6 to 8 minutes until very fork-tender. Drain and mash with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a few chunks for texture.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce Base
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk and broth, a little at a time, to keep the sauce smooth.
Finish the Sauce
  1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and whisk often for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Whisk in the mashed squash, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and half of the Parmesan until melted.
Combine and Assemble
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and toss with breadcrumbs and remaining Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake and Serve
  1. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is deep golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped sage.

Notes

Butternut squash is the star; choose a firm squash without soft spots. Cook until tender, leaving some texture. Options for substitutions include different pasta types and cheeses. Watch for common mistakes such as undercooking the squash and overcooking the pasta.