Description
Mac and Cheese with Butternut Squash and Thyme Crumb Topping is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines pasta, roasted butternut squash, and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- On a baking sheet, toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and heavy cream. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and smoked paprika. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, roasted butternut squash, and cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, fresh thyme, and melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the thyme crumb topping evenly over the top.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins to customize your mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg