Healthy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe {Clean Eating}

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This is a healthy butternut squash mac and cheese recipe. This is a meal in and of itself because it has all the food groups in it. This isn’t your typical boxed mac n’ cheese – or even homemade version. This mac and cheese sneaks in butternut squash puree. That’s why it is a good healthy mac and cheese recipe.

My kids had no idea the squash was there and gobbled it right up. I, however, noticed that it gave it a sort of fall flavor and contributed to a healthier, creamy sauce that needed less cheese because of the squash puree.

It can be very difficult for children to get the nutrition that they need, so anytime I can get the chance to sneak something healthy in a delicious recipe, is a huge plus. But the best part is that it isn’t only benefiting the children, but the rest of us as well. 🙂 This definitely takes a childhood classic to a new, healthier level.

I used to eat boxed mac n’ cheese with my siblings all the time growing up. It is a simple, easy thing to make for a couple of people. But I can make a good healthy mac and cheese for my kids by using this healthy butternut squash mac and cheese recipe.

I remember thinking if I were to have a food fight, mac n’ cheese would be one of my choices of best foods to be throwing around. I wouldn’t want to waste this healthy butternut squash mac and cheese on a food fight though. It isn’t sticky enough either. I remember seeing this happen in a movie when I was younger but can’t remember which movie. Does anyone remember? Also, I am wondering has anyone ever had a “real” food fight? Storytime. I would love to hear about your experiences.

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healthy butternut squash mac and cheese Recipe {Clean Eating}

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5 from 1 reviews

Butternut Squash Clean Eating Macaroni & Cheese Recipe – the squash makes it healthier and creamy, but it still has enough cheese to be delicious!

• Author: Rebecca Baron
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Clean Eating

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Whole Wheat Elbow Macaroni Noodles
• 1 small Butternut Squash
• 2 Tbl Butter
• 2 Tbl Whole Wheat Flour {*}
• 1 Cup Whole Milk
• 4 Cups grated Cheddar Cheese (divided)
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder {*}
• 1/2 tsp Prepared Mustard
• 1/2 tsp Real Salt + more to taste
• 1/8 tsp White Pepper {*}
• 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs (use seasoned, if desired)

Instructions

1. Cut or peel the skin off of the butternut squash, scrap out the seeds, and cut the squash into 1/2″ cubes.
2. Place in a saucepan and cover with water.
3. Bring water to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook squash for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
4. Drain the water and place the squash in a food processor. Process until completely smooth. Set aside.
5. Fill a large pot 3/4 full with water and season with 1/2 tablespoon salt.
6. Bring to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles to the water.
7. Stir once and let cook, stirring occasionally for 9-10 minutes, or until just under al dente. Pasta should be just a little firmer than you would want it to be when eating because it will continue to cook and soften in the oven when baking.
8. ?Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium/high heat.
9. Whisk in the flour and cook for 30 seconds.
10. Add 1/2 cup of the milk and whisk until thickened and smooth.
11. Add in the butternut squash puree and whisk until smooth and bubbling.
12. Add 2 cups of the grated cheese and whisk in until melted and smooth.
13. Add the remaining 1/2 cup milk and whisk until smooth. Add 1 more cup of cheese and whisk until smooth.
14. Add the onion powder {*}, mustard, salt, and pepper, and whisk until smooth.
15. Drain the cooked pasta and toss it with the cheese sauce.
16. Scoop the pasta into a 9×13 pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top.
17. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese and bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbling and cheese on top is melted.

Keywords: whole wheat macaroni, butternut squash, cheddar cheese, Mac and Cheese Butternut Squash

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