Prepare to revolutionize your mac and cheese game with this mind-blowing Crispy Collard Greens Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese! Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional comfort food - this recipe is about to take your taste buds on an unexpected culinary adventure. Imagine a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that sneaks in nutritious vegetables while delivering an irresistible crispy texture that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're a veggie lover, a mac and cheese enthusiast, or just someone looking to elevate their dinner game, this recipe is your ultimate game-changer!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup collard greens, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that it is ready for the mac and cheese to bake later.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the butternut squash. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the cubed butternut squash. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender. Drain and mash the squash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the skillet, whisking constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should turn a light golden color.
- Gradually add the 2 cups of milk to the roux, continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Once the milk mixture has thickened, stir in the mashed butternut squash until well combined. Then, add the 2 cups of shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni and chopped collard greens to the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- For the crispy topping, you can prepare collard greens. In a small skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped collard greens and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the crispy collard greens over the top of the mac and cheese mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Crispy Collard Greens Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- • For the smoothest cheese sauce, always add milk gradually and whisk constantly to prevent lumps. • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the best melting and flavor. • Make sure to cook the butternut squash until it's completely tender for easy mashing. • Don't overcook the macaroni - aim for al dente to prevent mushy pasta. • The crispy collard greens topping is key to this recipe's unique texture, so don't skip this step! • If you want extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking. • For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and cheese without compromising too much on flavor. • Prep all ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
