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+ servings

Smoky Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Goat Cheese

A lighter, healthier stovetop mac and cheese, with a luxurious texture and a big flavor boost from roasted butternut squash, goat cheese and smoked paprika. An easy kid friendly vegetarian dinner.
4.72 from 7 ratings

Ingredients

  • 1 small butternut squash
  • 50 g (3.5 Tbsp) butter
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 125 g (4.4 oz) goat cheese
  • 200 g (7 oz) strong cheddar cheese, grated
  • 400 ml (1.6 cups) milk
  • 250 g (9 oz) dried macaroni
  • A handful of chopped chives for garnish

Instructions 

  • First, roast your butternut squash. Cut lengthways into two pieces, and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Place face down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at 205C / 400F for 45 to 50 minutes. Use a fork to check when it's ready - it should be soft and tender throughout.
  • Boil your macaroni according to the package instructions.
  • Next, make your cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter and add the flour. Whisk quickly and constantly to form a roux (a paste) and let that cook until it is smooth and smells toasted.
  • Add the smoked paprika and cook for another minute or two.
  • Add the mustard and goat cheese. Whisk until it has melted in and a smooth, thick, creamy mixture has formed.
  • Now gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly as you do, to keep the sauce smooth.
  • Add the cheddar and stir through until melted. 
  • Finally, scoop the butternut squash into the cheese sauce and use a wooden spoon to mash it up. Whisk it through until it's as smooth or as lumpy as you prefer.
  • Drain the macaroni and mix into the sauce.
  • Serve, garnished with chives.

Notes

Source: adapted from this BBC recipe
Serving: 1g, Calories: 608kcal, Carbohydrates: 46g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 36g, Saturated Fat: 22g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 99mg, Sodium: 646mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 4g