Fall Fest: Winter Squash Macaroni and Cheese

By: Cameron Curtis

Come December, it's easy to turn to pasta as a (nightly) dinner option. But incorporating vegetables into the mix nearly justifies the habit. Ellie's Macaroni and 4 Cheeses adds squash to the classic dish. Her recipe calls for frozen pureed winter squash, but since there are so many varieties available fresh right now, in-season acorn squash works well, too.

Roast the acorn squash with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper while you chop the other ingredients. For more flavor, we incorporated garlic, shallots, nutmeg and thyme into the sauce base, in addition to the recipe's powdered mustard and cayenne pepper.

The cheesy macaroni mixture is great fresh from the pot, but if you prefer yours baked like Ellie, sprinkle Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top and finish it in the oven for a browned, bubbling casserole.

More Winter Squash Recipes from Family & Friends:

Jeanette's Healthy Living: Thai Red Curry Chicken with Winter Squash

Elephants and the Coconut Trees: Creamy Squash Rigatoni

Blue Apron Blog: Acorn Squash Tempura Tacos

Next Up

Fall Fest: Pumpkin and Winter Squash Lasagna

Rachael Ray's pumpkin and winter squash lasagna recipe will make a vegetable lasagna lover out of you.

Fall Fest: Kabocha Squash Pasta

I've never met a squash I didn't like but I think I might be in love with kabocha squash. It doesn't have a stringy texture that some squash varieties are prone to.

Fall Fest: Cauliflower and Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Take your Dutch oven out from its seasonal hiatus to host a twist on Rachael Ray's Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese.

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