Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Here’s a kid-friendly recipe for Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 cups, peeled and cubed)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape your kids like)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar works great, but you can mix it up!)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Cook the Butternut Squash:

• In a medium pot, add the cubed butternut squash and cover it with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Drain and set aside.

1. Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In the same pot, add the cooked butternut squash, vegetable broth, and milk. Use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, you can mash it with a fork, but it may be a bit chunky.
• Return the pureed mixture to the pot, and stir in the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

1. Combine:

• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

1. Serve:

• Spoon the Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese into bowls. You can top it with breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or chopped parsley for a little extra flavor and texture.

1. Enjoy!

• Let it cool slightly before serving to your little ones. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness!

Tips:

• You can add some cooked veggies like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Feel free to adjust the cheese type based on your kids’ preferences!

This recipe is a fun way to sneak in some veggies while keeping the classic mac & cheese flavor that kids love!