5 30 Published Oct 28, 2022, Updated Sep 26, 2024 I used my vegan mac and cheese recipe as a base, but put a fall spin on it by adding butternut squash in the sauce. And let me tell ya, the subtle sweetness from the squash and creaminess from the cashews seriously makes such a delicious cheese sauce. I can’t wait for you to try this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s no butter or cheese so it’s completely dairy-free. It’s packed with hidden veggies and has more nutrients than traditional mac and cheese. It’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family – kiddos and adults will love the creamy sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
Add veggies: Want to amp up the veggie count? Add cooked broccoli, peas, zucchini, spinach, kale, or mushrooms to this dish! Gluten-free: If you need this dish to be gluten-free use gluten-free pasta like brown rice pasta, lentil or chickpea pasta. Butternut squash: Don’t have butternut squash on hand or can’t find it? Use sweet potatoes or make this vegan mac and cheese instead, which uses gold potatoes and carrots in the sauce instead of butternut squash. You could also make this pumpkin pasta if you have pumpkin puree on hand!
What to Serve with Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
This butternut squash mac and cheese makes a great option for a plant-based dinner, but I also think it would be amazing served alongside some protein or additional sides for a more filling meal. Here are some ideas:
Protein – hot dogs are a classic add-in for mac and cheese lovers. Use tempeh hot dogs or grass-fed beef hot dogs. It’d also be delicious with some beyond sausage, tofu crumbles, tempeh bacon or these lentil meatballs. Chili – serve this mac and cheese with a side of vegetarian chili for a southern twist! Sides – serve this dish alongside some vegan cornbread, a salad (this garlicky kale salad is a fave!) or some roasted veggies like roasted broccoli or these apple cider vinegar brussel sprouts.
How to Store Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add mac and cheese to a saucepan and heat over medium-low, until warmed, stirring often to prevent burning. Make sure to add a little bit of milk or water to thin out the sauce and prevent the noodles from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pan. You can also heat leftovers in the microwave if you’re in a rush!
More Butternut Squash Recipes
Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili Butternut Squash Puree One Pan Tempeh Butternut Squash Bake Roasted Butternut Squash Salad Butternut Squash Soup How to Roast Butternut Squash
