Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Bacon.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Step 2

   Next, take your butternut squash and drizzle some olive oil over the cut sides, then sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper for that extra flavor.

3. Step 3

   Place the squash cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet and let it roast in the oven for about 45 to 60 minutes, or until it’s tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork.

4. Step 4

   While the squash is roasting and filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma, grab a large skillet and cook some bacon over medium-high heat.

5. Step 5

   Keep an eye on it, turning occasionally until it’s perfectly browned and crispy, which should take around 10 minutes.

6. Step 6

   Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble it into bite-sized pieces once it’s cool enough to handle.

7. Step 7

   In the meantime, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a boil.

8. Step 8

   Add in your elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, which usually takes about 8 minutes.

9. Step 9

   Don’t forget to reserve 2 cups of the hot pasta water before draining the macaroni and setting it aside.

10. Step 10

    Now, take one cup of that reserved pasta water and stir in a chicken bouillon cube until it dissolves.

11. Step 11

    In a large pot, pour in the bouillon broth and scoop out the roasted butternut squash flesh, adding it to the pot.

12. Step 12

    Blend everything together with an immersion blender, adding more broth as needed until you achieve a creamy, dreamy texture.

13. Step 13

    Place the pot over medium heat and stir in the grated Cheddar cheese, cooking until it melts and the sauce thickens beautifully.

14. Step 14

    Now, it’s time to bring it all together—add the drained pasta to the pot and mix well to combine, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.

15. Step 15

    Finally, serve your delicious mac and cheese topped with the crumbled bacon for that perfect finishing touch.

16. Step 16

    Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!.