Imagine a mac and cheese recipe that's not just another boring side dish, but a gourmet experience that transforms the classic comfort food into something extraordinary. This Beer Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese is a culinary revelation that combines the rich, creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the subtle sweetness of roasted butternut squash and the depth of flavor from a splash of beer. Perfect for foodies, beer lovers, and anyone looking to impress at their next dinner gathering, this recipe takes comfort food to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup beer
- 2 cups cheese, shredded (cheddar or your choice)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or butter.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a separate large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add cubed butternut squash and sauté for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened and beginning to caramelize.
- Pour the beer into the skillet with the squash. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the squash to absorb the beer's flavor and become tender.
- Reduce heat to low and add milk to the skillet. Stir in shredded cheese gradually, whisking until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese and squash mixture, stirring to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and optionally top with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Beer: Select a medium-bodied beer like an amber ale or lager that will complement the butternut squash without overpowering the dish.
- Squash Preparation: For easier cutting, microwave the butternut squash for 1-2 minutes to soften it slightly before cubing.
- Cheese Matters: Use a combination of cheeses for more complex flavor. Try mixing sharp cheddar with gruyère or monterey jack.
- Prevent Dryness: If the mac and cheese seems too thick while preparing, don't hesitate to add a little extra milk to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Crispy Top Hack: For an extra golden and crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with a little parmesan cheese before the final bake.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this dish up to the baking stage and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.
- Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a bright, fresh note to this rich dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
