This Vegan Butternut Squash Macaroni And Cheese recipe will have you rethinking the classic dish. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this plant-based version swaps out dairy for a surprisingly delicious butternut squash sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for chilly nights or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make: This recipe is surprisingly simple, with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Healthier alternative: Packed with vitamins and nutrients from the butternut squash, this mac and cheese is a guilt-free indulgence.
- Ultimate comfort food: The creamy texture and savory flavor will satisfy your cravings for classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
Vegan butternut squash mac and cheese ingredients
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
Butternut squash roasting in the oven.
-
Cook the Pasta: While the squash is roasting, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Cheese Sauce: Add the roasted butternut squash to a high-speed blender. Add the nutritional yeast, almond milk, tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy.
Blending ingredients for vegan butternut squash cheese sauce
- Combine and Bake: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Transfer to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Vegan butternut squash mac and cheese baking in the oven
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.
Serving vegan butternut squash mac and cheese
Tips for the Best Vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
- Roast the squash to perfection: Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and enhances its flavor. Make sure to roast it until it’s very tender.
- Adjust the consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water or almond milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add a kick: For a spicier mac and cheese, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry out the mac and cheese. Keep an eye on it and bake until heated through.
“Using butternut squash as the base for this vegan mac and cheese creates a velvety texture and naturally sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of nutritional yeast. It’s a culinary trick that will impress even the biggest cheese lovers.”– Chef Anya Green
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of squash?
You can substitute butternut squash with other varieties like kabocha or pumpkin, which will slightly alter the flavor profile but still yield delicious results.
2. What can I use instead of nutritional yeast?
While nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor, you can omit it or use a vegan parmesan cheese alternative. However, this will slightly alter the taste.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
4. Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
While freezing is possible, it can affect the texture of the sauce. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen before baking and reheated later.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and follow the same instructions.
This vegan butternut squash macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. It’s comforting, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. So ditch the dairy and dig into this plant-based take on a classic dish!
