Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese with Caramelized Onions, Apples, and Bacon Recipe
Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese is a delicious meal, featuring sweet butternut squash, savory caramelized onions, crisp apples, and salty bacon bits.
Hello, friend! Get ready to have your taste buds dancing with this delightful Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese with Caramelized Onions, Apples, and Bacon recipe. This isn’t your ordinary mac and cheese.
It is a new kind featuring creamy butternut squash, sweet caramelized onions, tart apples, and crispy bacon bits.
This dish is delicious, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy night in.
So, let’s gather our ingredients and cook up this delicious and unique mac n cheese!
Utensils You Need:
Gather these tools to prepare your mac and cheese:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
The Recipe
Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese with Caramelized Onions, Apples, and Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, or until tender.
- While the squash is roasting, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 20-30 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute more.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, diced apple, and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked bacon to save time.
- Feel free to use a different type of apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- You can add other seasonings to the cheese sauce, such as nutmeg, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
- If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use a large skillet instead.
Cook method: Baking, Stovetop
Season: Fall, Winter
Alternative Ingredients:
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below:
| Ingredient | Alternative |
| Butternut squash | Pumpkin or sweet potato |
| Elbow macaroni | Any type of pasta |
| Cheddar cheese | Gruyère or fontina cheese |
| Parmesan cheese | Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese |
| Bacon | Pancetta or ham |
What to Serve with Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese:
You can pair this delicious Butternut Squash Mac N Cheese with the following:
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Roasted or grilled vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
- A crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze leftover mac and cheese?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can use a vegan cheese sauce, plant-based milk, and vegan bacon bits to make this recipe vegan.
Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes, you can use other types of winter squash, such as acorn squash or pumpkin.
How do I make caramelized onions?
To make caramelized onions, cook thinly sliced onions in butter over low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until they are soft and golden brown.
