Roasted Honeynut Squash Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 1 hr
Cook Time: 35 mins
Yield: 8-10 Servings
Published
Last Updated
This Baked Honeynut Squash Mac and Cheese is the ultimate cozy twist on a classic! Sweet roasted honeynut squash adds rich flavor and creaminess to a three-cheese sauce made with cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s the perfect fall comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit special.
Ingredients
- 2 honeynut squash, diced
- 1-2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound dried pasta
- 1⁄2 cup butter
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Gruyere Cheese
- 1 cup Monetary Jack Cheese
Directions
Roasted Honey Nut Squash
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Spread the diced honeynut squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and tender. Set aside.
Mac and Cheese
- Cook the pasta 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add about half of the roasted honeynut squash to the roux and lightly mash it in with a spoon. This adds a creamy sweetness to the sauce.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese, the Gruyere, and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until smooth and melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and the remaining roasted squash. Gently fold everything together until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for about 15 minutes before serving so it sets up nicely.
Notes
Optional Crunchy Topping:
If you like a little crunch, mix ½ cup of breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the top before baking.
