Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

By KDudek88

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, split in half and seeded
• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 c vegetable stock
• 1 c milk
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 c cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 c ricotta cheese
• 1/2 c parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1/2 c bread crumbs
• sprigs of thyme, for garnish

Details

Adapted from leelacyd.blogspot.com

Preparation

Step 1

Bake squash, on a sheet of parchment at 400 degrees for about one hour, until soft. Scoop out squash flesh and set aside. Decrease oven temperature to 375 degrees. Grease a large casserole dish or several small bowls (at least 6 dessert bowls). Boil water and cook pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large pot place stock, milk, squash and spices on a medium simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes. Then, with an immersion blender (or use your cuisinart), blend until pretty smooth, with a few lumps of squash intact if you like.

Place all cheeses, except a little Parmesan (save in a bowl for topping) in a large mixing bowl, stir to combine. Pour the stock/squash mixture into this bowl and stir. When pasta is done, throw back into the large pot and pour in cheese/squash mixture. Finally pour this into small bowls or one large casserole pan. Sprinkle on breadcrumbs and remainder of Parmesan cheese. Cover in tin foil and cook for 20 minutes. Remove foil and cook 10-15 minutes more, until the top layer looks crusty. Broil for the final 1-2 minutes.