Looking for the ultimate fall comfort food? Let me introduce you to my Creamy Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese with Crispy Bacon! This dish is perfect for cozy nights and holiday dinners. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with the rich, earthy flavor of butternut squash. Plus, the crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch that takes it to the next level. The best part? You can make it all in one go, with no mess when cooking the bacon (thanks to the oven method!). Trust me, once you try this, it will become your new favorite dish.

Method

Start by cooking the bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the sheet, making sure they don’t overlap. Bake them for 20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside to add later.

Next, while the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then add the pasta shells and cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

For the sauce preparation, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the mashed garlic and minced shallot to the skillet. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the shallot softens. Then, stir in the arrowroot or tapioca flour (or corn starch) along with the fresh sage. Continue sautéing for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the flour to slightly thicken.

Now, it’s time to make the creamy sauce. Pour in the milk (or your chosen dairy-free alternative) along with the butternut squash puree and Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth and creamy. Once the sauce is well combined, add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Sprinkle in the grated sharp cheddar cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted, creating a luscious and creamy coating over the pasta. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.Finally, serve the dish by adding the chopped crispy bacon on top of the mac n’ cheese, and garnish with finely chopped chives for a fresh touch. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy!

Necessary Tools

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large pot
Large skillet
Spoon or spatula
Cheese grater
Knife and chopping board

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac n Cheese with Crispy Bacon

Recipe by Troy Jorge

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

12 oz pasta shells
8 slices bacon
2 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, mashed
1 large shallot, minced
2 tbsp arrowroot or tapioca flour (or corn starch)
3 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups half & half (or milk/coconut milk)
1 (15 oz) can butternut squash puree
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
14 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 bunch chives, finely chopped

Directions

Cook the Bacon:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Once done, chop the bacon and set it aside.
Cook the Pasta:
While the bacon bakes, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot, sautéing for about 3 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the arrowroot (or tapioca flour or corn starch) and fresh sage, and sauté for another 2 minutes.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the milk (or dairy-free alternative), along with the butternut squash puree and Dijon mustard. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and grated cheese. Mix everything together until the cheese melts and coats the pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Add the chopped crispy bacon on top and sprinkle with fresh chives. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Notes

When baking the bacon, keep an eye on it. Every oven is different, and bacon can go from perfectly crispy to overcooked in just a few minutes!
Make sure the pasta is cooked just to al dente, as it will cook a little more when mixed with the hot sauce.
If using coconut milk, make sure it’s full-fat for the creamiest results. If you’re using dairy-free milk, choose one that’s unsweetened to keep the flavors balanced.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy butternut squash mac n’ cheese pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies on the side. For a heartier meal, serve it with some garlic bread or a light protein like grilled chicken. It’s great as a main dish or as a side to your holiday feast!

Fun Fact

Butternut squash isn’t just delicious – it’s packed with vitamins! It’s a great source of Vitamin A, which is essential for good vision, and it also contains lots of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Mac n’ Cheese with Crispy Bacon is the ultimate comfort meal – cheesy, creamy, and full of fall flavors. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and special occasions when you want something both indulgent and nourishing. Try this recipe, and I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your household!