Fall = Squash Season
To start off, the actual name of this amazing dish from Pinch of Yum is called “Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions, Bacon and Apple” That’s a mouthful. The first time I made this mac and cheese, was last fall when we were still living in Cambridge, England. Ian worked for an agriculture company and one day he came home with a butternut squash which is something I had never used before. I scoured the internet and it seemed as though mac and cheese was a very popular item to add butternut squash to. Naturally, I searched on Pinterest where the options are endless. I found this one via food blogger Pinch of Yum with caramelized onion, bacon and apple. What could go wrong?
How’d It Go?
On one of my days off, I put this recipe to the test and WOW, was it good! I have made it quite a few more times since and today, I’m doing an official review.
The directions are super easy to follow and the ingredients are simple to prepare. I cut my squash in half, oiled the insides and baked for 45 minutes at 400 degrees F ahead of time. I don’t know if you can actually buy butternut squash puree in a can.
Ch-Ch-Changes
Next time I will use more onion, or dice it so there are more pieces. They really add a great flavour to this dish. As directed, I had to add a little more liquid to the pot and I think I will add more when I reheat the leftovers as well so it’s nice and gooey again. Old Cheddar might add a sharper cheese taste instead of Medium Cheddar as well.
While cooking, I used 3 cups of dry macaroni and there are definitely more than four servings.. but let’s face it, I probably ate two and a half servings myself tonight. I feel like I don’t really need to say anything else about this macaroni and cheese. Try it out, I know you’ll love it.
I’ve eyed this recipe up before but never followed through. I think I’ll make it for thanksgiving next weekend after your glowing remarks!
Hi Ella! Your family will be very thankful for this :):) If you guys like a little heat, toss in some chopped jalapenos or a bit of hot sauce!
Fun fact: most canned “pumpkin” is actually butternut squash. It often just says “squash” in the ingredients. 😊
Wow! I had no idea! That’s really interesting. I’ll have to bake two pies: one from the can and one from the actual pumpkin!! Taste test!