Cozy Butternut Squash Bacon Mac (Print Version)

Macaroni with roasted butternut squash, crispy bacon, and cheese. Creamy, cozy, and satisfying for any chilly night.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni or small shells

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Meats

09 - 4 oz thick-cut bacon, diced

→ Pantry

10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - Olive oil, for roasting

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
02 - Prepare macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
04 - Add diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
06 - Gradually whisk in whole milk, bringing to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
07 - Add roasted butternut squash to the sauce. Using an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a blender), blend until smooth and creamy.
08 - Stir in shredded cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with smoked paprika and additional salt and black pepper to taste.
09 - In a large bowl or pot, combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and most of the bacon pieces. Mix until evenly coated.
10 - Portion mac and cheese into bowls. Top with reserved bacon and additional cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips:

01 - For added comfort, bake the assembled macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping at 425°F for 10 minutes until golden.
02 - Pancetta may replace bacon for variation or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version, increasing smoked paprika for flavor depth.
03 - A pinch of cayenne pepper adds subtle heat.
04 - Pairs well with crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Go Back