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Butternut squash mac and cheese with bacon and apples in a bowl with creamy pasta and toppings

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Bacon and Apples

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting pasta dish with sweet and savory flavors from squash, apples, caramelized onions, cheddar, and bacon. It is a cozy choice for a satisfying meal when you want a balanced twist on classic mac and cheese.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 574
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mac and cheese
  • 1/2 box whole grain elbow macaroni (about 2.5 cups dry)
  • 1 cup canned butternut squash puree
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 oz (28 g) low fat cream cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Caramelized onions and apples
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup onions, sliced thinly
  • 1 large crispy apple, chopped or grated
Topping
  • 4 tablespoons crumbled bacon

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the butter in a skillet over low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for at least 30 minutes, keeping the heat at low or low-medium, until caramelized.
  2. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the macaroni and return it to the pan over low heat.
Cooking
  1. Stir the butternut squash puree, chicken broth, evaporated milk, and cream cheese into the pasta. Once combined, mix in the salt.
  2. Add the caramelized onions and apple pieces to the pasta mixture. Stir together, adding an extra tablespoon of broth or milk if needed.
  3. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese just before serving and stir until melted. Finish each serving with 1 tablespoon of crumbled bacon on top.

Notes

Because this recipe uses very little butter, the pasta may become dry quickly after leaving the heat. Add a tablespoon of water, milk, or broth as needed to restore the original creamy texture.