Fall Comfort Food in a Bowl: Spiced Apple, Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese

This past weekend in the Wisconsin test kitchen was pure magic. After a few weekends of constant go-go-go activity; we had nothing on the calendar we needed to do. Also, it was raining- which meant we had a great excuse to NOT complete the yard work that has been hanging over our heads for the past few weeks.

It was the perfect afternoon to crack open a few beers, and create some delicious food. We had found a recipe on Pinterest for a Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese and we thought it would be fun to make. It's an excellent way to incorporate vegetables into your kid's beloved mac and cheese; and it adds a delicious, creamy texture. We took it one step further by adding caramelized onions, spiced apples and the holy grail... bacon. The results? Well, lets just say the 9"x9" pan we made vanished pretty quickly and we're already itching to make this again. It really is the epitome of everything you want to eat in fall: satisfying, warm, substantial... and did we mention bacon? Mmmm...

Spiced Apple Butternut Squash Macaroni & Cheese


1/2 box elbow macaroni

1 cup canned butternut squash puree (we used baby food. It's easy and gives you the creamy texture you need)

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons evaporated milk

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 oz. cream cheese

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup onions, sliced thinly

1 large crunchy apple, chopped

4-6 slices precooked bacon, diced

cumin

cinnamon

nutmeg

 

 

Heat butter in a skillet over low heat. When melted, add onions and let caramelize for at least 30 minutes.

Once onions are caramelized, add apples and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg and cumin powder. Remove from heat.

Cook the pasta according to directions. Drain and return to pan over low heat. Add butternut squash, chicken broth, evaporated milk, cream cheese, one cup cheddar cheese and the apple/onion mixture. Once combined, add in salt.

 

Pour mixture into a greased 9x9 pan and sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes uncovered, or until cheese is melted.

This is the perfect weekend meal to make- it's something that will go over well with both kids and adults. My only test kitchen note? Consider doubling the recipe. Yep... it's THAT good.

We look forward to sharing more fall, family comfort food recipes with you soon.

 

Stay Cool,

The Cool Dads Crew