Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl? Let me tell you about Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

This recipe combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the rich, sweet flavor of butternut squash. You won’t believe how easy and delicious this homemade version is.

To make this tasty dish, you’ll need a few key ingredients, such as roasted butternut squash, a mix of flavorful cheeses, and a blend of spices like mustard powder and paprika.

These ingredients work together to create a sauce that’s perfectly creamy and seasoned just right. Once you mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, you’ll have a meal that’s both satisfying and slightly addictive.

What sets this recipe apart is the addition of sage and thyme, which bring a comforting, earthy flavor that’s perfect for any time of year.

Imagine scooping out the hot, bubbly mac and cheese from the oven and savoring each bite. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again.

Key Takeaways

  • Simple ingredients create a creamy and flavorful sauce.
  • Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness.
  • Sage and thyme add an earthy flavor that makes this dish special.

Ingredients List

Making Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need.

Pasta and Cheese Varieties

To start, you need pasta. I recommend using mezzi rigatoni or macaroni, but penne works well too. Choose one that holds the sauce perfectly.

For the cheese, a mix of parmesan, gouda, and cheddar cheese creates the best flavor. Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, while parmesan gives a nutty taste. Gouda makes it creamy.

Shredded cheese is ideal for melting. If you prefer a vegan version, nutritional yeast can replace the cheese, offering a cheesy taste without dairy.

Dairy and Seasonings

The sauce base uses butter, milk, and flour to create a creamy texture. Butter adds rich flavor, and milk provides smoothness. Use whole milk for a richer sauce, or plant-based milk for a lighter version.

Seasonings are crucial:

  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Mustard powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

These spices bring warmth and complexity to the dish. Salt and black pepper season it perfectly, and the mustard powder adds a tangy kick. Smoked paprika and nutmeg add depth.

Vegetables and Flavors

The star ingredient is butternut squash. Roast it to bring out the natural sweetness. You can also use butternut squash puree to save time.

For herbs, fresh sage and thyme leaves elevate the dish. They add an earthy note that complements the squash.

Some recipes include extras like sweet potato or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. I love the addition of garlic and onion for extra flavor.

This combination of butternut squash, cheeses, dairy, and seasonings melds together for a delightfully creamy and flavorful mac and cheese.

Preparation Guide

A kitchen counter with a box of Trader Joe's butternut squash mac and cheese, a pot of boiling water, a spoon stirring the pasta, and a baking dish ready to be filled with the finished dish

This guide breaks down the steps needed to make the popular Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese at home. The process includes cooking the pasta, preparing the creamy cheese sauce with butternut squash, and combining all ingredients to create a delicious, homemade version of this dish.

Cooking the Pasta

First, I start by boiling a large pot of water. When the water reaches a rolling boil, I add a generous pinch of salt and then the pasta.

I prefer using elbow macaroni, but you can use any pasta shape you like. I aim to cook the pasta al dente, which typically takes around 8-10 minutes.

While the pasta is cooking, I make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, I reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining the rest. The pasta water can help adjust the sauce consistency later. After draining, I set the pasta aside in the pot to keep it warm.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

For the sauce, I start with roasting the butternut squash. I preheat the oven to 375°F and cut the squash in half, scooping out the seeds.

Placing the halves cut side down on a baking sheet, I drizzle them with olive oil and roast for about 20 minutes until tender.

While the squash is roasting, I gather my dairy ingredients: grated parmesan, gouda, and white cheddar.

In a sauce pot, I melt some butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking it until golden. I slowly add whole milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens.

Next, I transfer the roasted squash flesh into a blender along with vegetable broth. I blend until smooth, then stir this mixture into my cheese sauce in the pot, adding the grated cheeses and a pinch each of mustard powder, paprika, nutmeg, onion powder, and garlic powder. I blend until the sauce is creamy.

Combining Ingredients

With the pasta cooked and the sauce ready, I combine the two components.

Pouring the cheese sauce over the pasta, I use a spatula to ensure every piece is coated evenly.

If the sauce is too thick, I gradually add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess.

For added flavor, I sometimes sprinkle finely chopped sage and thyme into the mix. To finish, a dash of hot sauce can provide a spicy kick.

This homemade version of Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese is now ready to serve, offering a rich and creamy comfort food experience.

Enjoy this delightful dish warm and savor every bite of the creamy sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta.

Baking and Finishing Touches

A kitchen counter with a steaming dish of butternut squash mac and cheese, surrounded by colorful ingredients and utensils

After preparing the mac and cheese, it’s time to bake it to perfection and add those little extra touches that make the dish special. Preheat your oven, choose the appropriate baking dish, and sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crispy top.

Baking the Dish

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures that the mac and cheese cooks evenly and develops a nice golden crust.

I place the prepared butternut squash mac and cheese in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet.

Next, I sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter on top. This creates a crunchy, flavorful topping. Sometimes, I add a bit of extra cheese on top for an even cheesier finish.

Baking usually takes about 25 minutes. I keep an eye on it, looking for the top to turn golden brown and the edges to be bubbly.

Once done, I let it cool for a few minutes before serving as a main course or a delicious side dish.

For an added kick, I sometimes garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Find more detailed steps on a similar recipe at Homemade Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.

Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Copycat
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Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Copycat

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with fall flavors. Perfect for cozy nights!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

  • 2 cups butternut squash puree (about 1 medium squash)

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for topping)

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

  • Prepare the Squash:
  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, and place it on a baking sheet.
  • Roast for about 45 minutes or until the squash is tender. Scoop out the flesh and puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Set aside.
  • Cook the Pasta:
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce:
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
  • Stir in the butternut squash puree, garlic powder, onion powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
  • Optional Topping:
  • If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
  • Mix the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

A steaming bowl of butternut squash mac and cheese sits on a wooden table, surrounded by vibrant autumn leaves and a cozy kitchen setting

Trader Joe’s Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish. It can be customized in many ways and has some specifics you’d want to know about.

What is the best way to heat up Trader Joe’s frozen butternut squash mac and cheese?

You can heat it in the microwave for about 5 minutes or in a conventional oven at 375°F for about 25 minutes. Some people prefer to cook it in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally for a nice texture.

How can I add more flavor to Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese?

Adding mustard powder, paprika, nutmeg, onion, and garlic powder can really enhance the flavor.

Finely chopped sage and thyme can give it an earthy essence. Don’t forget some extra salt if needed.

Are there any good variations of the butternut squash mac and cheese recipe from Trader Joe’s?

You can experiment by using different cheeses like sharp cheddar instead of the ones listed, or try adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli. You can also top it with crushed Trader Joe’s crackers for a crunchy finish.

What are the nutritional facts for Trader Joe’s butternic squash mac and cheese?

A typical serving is around 360 calories. It includes fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Make sure to check the packaging for detailed nutritional information that fits your dietary needs.

Is Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese a seasonal item?

Yes, it usually appears in the fall and winter. It’s best to stock up when you see it because it might not be available year-round.

What are the main ingredients in Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese?

The key ingredients include butternut squash, several types of cheese like parmesan, gouda, and white cheddar. It also contains seasonings like mustard powder, paprika, and nutmeg. You can check the label for a complete list.