Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese You’ll Crave Tonight

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something irresistibly comforting about mac and cheese, but adding creamy roasted butternut squash takes this classic dish to a whole new level. The velvety sweetness of the squash blends seamlessly with the cheesy sauce, creating a rich, silky texture that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I first tossed this combination together on a chilly evening when I craved something cozy but wanted a little twist on the usual. What surprised me most was how effortlessly the butternut squash adds natural creaminess, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser without the heaviness. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your weeknight dinner or impress friends with a fresh take on comfort food, this Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is your new go-to recipe.

Why choose Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese?

Ultimate comfort: This dish combines the classic cheesy goodness with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash for a delightful twist. Rich texture: The squash creates a velvety, creamy sauce without heavy cream. Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it perfect for busy weeknights. Healthy upgrade: You get a boost of veggies without sacrificing flavor. Crowd-pleaser: A cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will love, from kids to foodies.

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Ingredients

For the Roasted Butternut Squash

Butternut squash – Choose a medium, firm squash for natural sweetness and creamy texture in your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.
Olive oil – Helps roast the squash to a caramelized, tender perfection.
Salt – Enhances the squash’s natural flavor.

For the Cheese Sauce

Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
All-purpose flour – Creates the roux base to thicken the sauce beautifully.
Milk – Use whole or 2% milk for a creamy consistency.
Sharp cheddar cheese – Delivers classic cheesy depth; feel free to mix in cheeses like Gruyère for added complexity.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a nuanced, salty bite and helps with a silky sauce finish.
Nutmeg – A pinch brightens the flavor, balancing the sweetness of the squash.

For the Pasta and Assembly

Elbow macaroni – Traditional choice for mac and cheese; cooks to tender perfection.
Breadcrumbs (optional) – Toasted on top for a satisfying crunchy finish.
Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) – Sprinkle for a fresh, vibrant touch at the end.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Toss squash cubes in olive oil and salt, then roast until tender and golden, about 25–30 minutes.
Puree squash: Let roasted cubes cool slightly, then blend or mash until smooth and velvety. Aim for a creamy texture that will lend natural sweetness and thickness to your sauce.
Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
Make roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until mixture bubbles and turns lightly golden, about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add liquids: Slowly whisk milk and pureed squash into the roux. Continue cooking over medium heat until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3–4 minutes.
Incorporate cheese: Remove pan from heat, then stir in sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and a pinch of nutmeg until sauce is smooth and luxuriously creamy.
Combine & bake: Toss cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to a buttered baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top for a golden crunch.
Broil topping: Place dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely until breadcrumbs turn deep golden. Remove and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Optional: Sprinkle chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Variations

Embrace your inner chef and let your creativity shine by customizing this delightful mac and cheese!

Gluten-Free: Substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta for a safe and equally delicious option.
Vegan: Swap butter for olive oil and use a vegan cheese alternative; incorporate coconut milk for creaminess.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some sautéed spinach or kale for added nutrition and a pop of color in every bite!
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a bold, zesty heat.
Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or sage into the cheese sauce for aromatic depth and a rustic touch.
Nutty Flavor: Stir in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture that beautifully complements the creamy sauce.
Smoky Twist: Use smoked cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar to infuse your mac and cheese with a delightful smoky flavor.
Meal Prep: Divide into single servings before freezing for easy weeknight meals—just thaw, reheat, and enjoy!

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir well to revive the creamy texture of your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can roast and puree the butternut squash up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor. Additionally, you can cook the elbow macaroni and prepare the cheese sauce up to 24 hours before serving; simply refrigerate both components separately. To finish, combine the pasta and squash cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, then top with breadcrumbs and broil it for that delicious, crispy finish. You’ll have restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese?

The perfect meal is just a few delicious sides away from creating an unforgettable dining experience.

Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread pairs beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy texture of the mac and cheese.
Sautéed Greens: Fresh sautéed spinach or kale brings a vibrant, earthy element that balances the richness of the pasta dish. A squeeze of lemon will brighten their flavor.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts and carrots introduces texture and sweetness, making this a cozy side option.
Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, offering a refreshing contrast that everybody will love.
Apple Crisp: A warm apple crisp with cinnamon-infused sweetness adds a delightful finish to your meal, making for a comforting, nostalgic dessert.
Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay enhances the flavors of the dish, with its creamy and fruity notes harmonizing beautifully with the cheese and squash.
Lemonade: Freshly squeezed lemonade provides a zesty, revitalizing drink option that will delight throughout the meal, refreshing your palate between bites.

Tips for the Best Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Roast squash properly: Ensure butternut squash cubes are tender and caramelized to unlock natural sweetness and achieve the perfect creamy base.
Puree smoothly: Blend the roasted squash until silky to avoid any lumps that can affect the sauce’s texture in your Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.
Don’t overcook pasta: Cook elbow macaroni just until al dente; it will cook more in the oven and stay perfectly tender without turning mushy.
Cook roux carefully: Stir constantly when whisking flour and butter to avoid burning and ensure a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
Add cheese off heat: Stir in cheeses after removing the sauce from heat to prevent graininess and keep the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Watch breadcrumb topping: Broil only briefly and watch closely to prevent burning while achieving a golden, crispy finish.

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best butternut squash for this recipe?
Look for a medium-sized squash with a firm, smooth skin and no soft spots or bruises. A ripe butternut squash should feel heavy for its size and have a deep tan color. Avoid any with dark spots all over or cracks, as these can affect the natural sweetness and texture.

Can I store leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese in the fridge?
Absolutely! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess and prevent the sauce from drying out.

Is it possible to freeze this mac and cheese? How should I do it?
Very much so! To freeze, portion your mac and cheese into airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label and date them, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a little milk if needed to revive its creamy texture.

What if my cheese sauce turns grainy or lumpy?
This can happen if cheese is added while the sauce is too hot or if the roux isn’t cooked properly. To fix this, always remove the sauce from heat before mixing in the cheese and stir gently until smooth. If lumps appear, whisk vigorously or blend briefly with an immersion blender to restore silky consistency.

Is this recipe safe for people with common food allergies or pets?
If you’re allergic to dairy, this recipe contains multiple cheeses and butter, so it’s best avoided or substituted with dairy-friendly alternatives. Also, do not feed this dish to pets; ingredients like onions or nutmeg (sometimes included in seasoning blends) can be harmful. Always check spices and toppings before sharing dishes with loved ones or pets.