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–+ servings
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Creamy Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese for Cozy Nights

This comforting vegan Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a rich, plant-based twist on a classic dish, perfect for cozy nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Macaroni Pasta Try gluten-free for a lighter option.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 cups Butternut Squash Adds natural sweetness and creaminess.
  • 1 medium Potato Any waxy potato like Yukon gold works best.
  • 1 medium Carrot Enhances sweetness and color.
  • 1 cup Cashews Soak for smoother blending.
  • 3 tablespoons Yeast Flakes Imparts a cheesy flavor without dairy.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Brings brightness to the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Offers depth of flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Provides vibrant color.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Adds richness to the sauce.
Optional Extras
  • 1 cup Vegan Cheese For added cheesiness when broiling.
  • 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs Creates a crunchy topping.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Blender
  • casserole dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and chop the butternut squash, potatoes, and carrots into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
  2. Boil the Veggies: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, add the vegetables and cashews, and boil for about 12 minutes until tender.
  3. Cool and Drain: Drain the cooked vegetables and cashews, and let them cool slightly to avoid burns when blending.
  4. Blend Together: Transfer the drained vegetables and cashews to a blender, and add smoked paprika, turmeric, olive oil, yeast flakes, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Blend until creamy.
  5. Cook the Macaroni: Boil salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and combine with the butternut squash sauce.
  6. Optional Broil for Topping: Transfer to a casserole dish, sprinkle with vegan cheese and panko breadcrumbs, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 320mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 3000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Soak cashews for at least 2 hours for a smoother sauce. Adjust spices to taste and add sautéed veggies for extra flavor.

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