Fall Recipe: Roasted Squash Macaroni and Cheese

Who says you always have to go out to eat for  a Food Adventures .  As the leaves turn and the air grows a slight chill, here is a recipe to warm your soul.

Today, we present you a taste of comfort food and a fall twist, an old favorite with a new spin.

One of your Food Adventures Crew, Jackie, has a Fall recipe that will awaken your taste buds.

It is called, Roasted Squash Macaroni and Cheese.

It is a family favorite, that even the kids will love !    ENJOY !!

 

ROASTED SQUASH MACARONI AND CHEESE 

For the Squash:

• One small butternut squash, acorn squash, or sugar pumpkin!
• Two cloves of garlic, peeled
• ¼ cup yellow onion diced, divided
• Balsamic Vinegar- Try Spicy Olive’s Red Apple Balsamic (or Maple Balsamic)
• Spicy Olive Butter Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper

 

1. Pre heat oven to 375.
2. Slice squash in half, lengthwise.
3. Scoop out seeds (you can roast them!) and place squash on baking sheet flesh side up.
4. Using a paring knife, cut slashes into the squash.
5. Place one clove of garlic and 1/8 cup onion into the hollowed out section of the squash.
6. Drizzle on balsamic and olive oil. Then salt and pepper
7. Bake for 45mins-1hour until flesh is soft and tops are caramelized.
8. Allow to cool.
9. Once cooled, scoop out flesh of squash from the skin and add the squash, garlic and onion to a food processor. Puree until smooth.

 

For the Mac & Cheese

• 1lb penne pasta
• 6-8oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 6-8oz pepper cheese (ie. pepper jack or habanero), shredded
• 4tbs butter
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¾ cup milk
• ¾ cup squash puree
• ¼ tsp Cayanne (omit if you don’t want it too spicy, or add more for a bigger kick!)
• salt & pepper
• 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbs Spicy Olive Butter Olive Oil

 

1. Cook and drain pasta according to directions.
2. Return pasta to pot and turn heat onto low.
3. Toss pasta with butter until melted and pasta is well coated.
4. Whisk together eggs, milk, squash and cayanne.
5. Add mixture and cheese to the pasta. Stir until well combined and cheese is melted. (approximately 3 minutes)
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Toss breadcrumbs olive oil. Mix in bacon.
8. Pour pasta into a buttered 9×13 dish.
9. Top with breadcrumb and bacon mixture.
10. Broil for 1-3mins until breadcrumbs are browned.

 

EAT!!

Please look for monthly recipes from the Food Adventure Crew, right here on Dayton Most Metro !