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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

18 minutes

Prep Time

35 minutes

cook Time

6

Servings
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Curated by: Jackie
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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Contains

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Dairy/Milk

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Gluten

Cookware Used

Cosori Iconic stainless steel smart air fryer with 6.5-quart basket, front view

Iconic™ The Stainless Steel 6.5-Quart Smart Air Fryer

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Similar Recipes: Cauliflower Gratin, Healthy Chicken Casserole, Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes

A refined take on a classic comfort dish, this creamy mac and cheese made with velvety butternut squash delivers the perfect blend of nostalgia and nourishment, without sacrificing any of the flavor.

How to Pick Cheddar Cheese:

Grating your own cheese from a block will guarantee a smoother cheese sauce. Pre-shredded cheese will cause the sauce toclumpup. 

Ingredient Swaps:

You can swap the regular macaroni with either whole wheat or chickpea pasta. 

Nutritional Information:

Butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C, nutrients that may help support immune function. It also contains natural fiber to help aid digestion and lasting satiety.  

What to Serve with: Air Fryer Turkey Breast, Air Fryer Honey Mustard Pork Chops,Turkey Meatloaf with Coconut Creamed Spinach

Tools Needed

Ingredients Needed

Sage breadcrumbs

Scale 1x 2x 3x
Yield 6 Serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a small saucepan on medium heat for 2 minutes. Add sage leaves into the small saucepan and flash fry for 5 seconds then remove. 
  2. Add in garlic and toast until slightly golden. Remove the garlic cloves. 
  3. Toss in the breadcrumbs and stir. Set heat on low. Stir often and toss until breadcrumbs are nice and golden brown. 
  4. Remove when done and spread onto a plate to cool. Season with flaky salt.  
  5. Toss butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of avocado oil and season with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. 
  6. Remove crisper plate from the air fryer basket. 
  7. Select Air Fry function, adjust temperature to 400°F and set time to 5 minutes then press Start/Pause. 
  8. Add the butternut into the preheated air fryer basket. 
  9. Select Roast function and set time to 18 minutes then press Start/Pause. 
  10. Remove when done and set aside. 
  11. Fill large pot with water and set on high to boil. Add in ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and dried macaroni a minute less than suggested on the packaging. Reserve 2 cups of starch water and drain the rest. 
  12. Add roasted butternut squash, all-purpose flour, butter, milk, both cheddars, nutmeg into the cup of the blender. 
  13. Blend on high until everything was smooth. 
  14. Add blended mixture into a medium sauce pot and heat until thickened. 
  15. Pour macaroni into the pot and stir well. If you prefer a loose mac and cheese, stir in a little bit of the pasta water at a time. Season with black pepper and serve hot. 

You can make the cheese sauce, cook macaroni, and breadcrumbs ahead of time and assemble it later during the week.

Iconic Time/Temp: Preheat 400°F, Roast 400°F 18 minutes

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Iconic Recipes Vegan Dairy-Free

originally published on Jan 22, 2026 (last updated Jan 22, 2026)

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