• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Free Ebook!Subscribe to updates & get a recipe book!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

The Chunky Chef

Comforting Family Recipes

  • All Recipes
  • Learn to Cook
  • Shop
    • My eBooks
    • Favorite Products
  • About
  • Contact
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

    My Saved Recipe Box
  • Browse By:
  • Course
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Sandwiches
    • Healthy-ish
  • Ingredient
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Pork
    • Turkey
    • Seafood
    • Meatless
    • Pasta
  • Cuisine
    • Asian
    • Italian
    • Mexican
    • Hawaiian
    • Middle Eastern
    • Comfort Food
  • Method
    • One Pot
    • Crockpot
    • Instant Pot
    • Oven
    • Fried
    • Grilling/BBQ
  • Trending:

    Slow Cooker

    Easy Dinners

    Desserts

Home / Comfort Food

Butternut Squash, Gruyere and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

3.67
/5
1 hour 5 minutes
36 Comments
Jump to Recipe Print Pin
By: The Chunky Chefpublished: 11/11/2015

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

This is one mac and cheese you’ll NEVER get out of a box!  Butternut squash is roasted with garlic, pureed and added to a creamy, velvety Gruyere and white cheddar cheese sauce.  But that’s not all… the rich mac and cheese is topped with a browned butter and sage breadcrumb topping and baked until crispy on top and lusciously smooth underneath!

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!Okay, quick… what’s your FAVORITE comfort food meal?  Many of you are probably thinking “mac and cheese”!  In all honesty… I never liked mac and cheese much.  I think I was the only kid around who didn’t want dinner out of that little blue box.  Now, as an adult (I use that term loosely lol), I DO love mac and cheese… just the homemade, from scratch version!

I found a recipe from Williams-Sonoma for a Gruyere and Cheddar mac and cheese and I had a foodie “lightbulb moment”.  That moment when you have a sudden recipe idea that just pops in your head and you just know it’s going to be awesome 🙂  That recipe base from Williams-Sonoma would go perfectly with a savory roasted butternut squash!

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

So this recipe isn’t as easy as opening up a box, but TRUST me… it’s sooooo worth it!  And really, it’s not all that difficult… you can even roast the butternut squash the day before.

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

So many times, butternut squash is roasted and turned into something sweet… but not this time!  The squash is tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic, then roasted in the oven until lightly golden and soft.

Toss it in the food processor and puree until mostly smooth.  You can either use it right away, or place it in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple days.

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

Making the rest of the mac and cheese is pretty straightforward. Add a bit of butter to a small saucepan and lightly brown it.

If you’re unsure of browning butter, don’t be.  This post is super informative!  Toss the browned butter with some panko and minced fresh sage and set aside.

Now just make the cream sauce and whisk in the cheeses and pureed butternut squash.  Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta and pour it into your baking container.

I chose to cook them in individual crocks, as they’re just so cute, but you could use a regular 13×9 pan as well.  Bake until the breadcrumb topping is crispy and golden.

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

Now I went ahead and garnished my mac and cheese with some crispy prosciutto ham and more fresh sage, but that’s totally optional.

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

This isn’t your standard mac and cheese… it has gourmet written alllll over it!  From the unusual pasta shape (no elbows here), the addition of the savory roasted squash, fresh herbs, and the browned butter breadcrumb topping… trust me, this is one dish that will absolutely impress!!

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

From a great gourmet weeknight meal, to an elegant and unique side dish for your Thanksgiving meal… I know you’ll all love this mac and cheese!

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

Butternut Squash and Gruyere Mac and Cheese | This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

Butternut Squash, Gruyere and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

3.67 from 3 votes
Author: The Chunky Chef
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
(hover over # to adjust)
Print Rate Pin
This dish is the ultimate mac and cheese! Pureed savory roasted butternut squash is mixed with an ultra creamy Gruyere and white cheddar sauce!

Ingredients

  • ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH:
  • 1 butternut squash peeled, seeded and cut into 1 cubes
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • BROWNED BUTTER SAGE BREADCRUMBS:
  • 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs one third
  • 2 Tbsp browned butter
  • 1/2 tsp fresh sage minced
  • MAC AND CHEESE:
  • 1 lb pasta short cut (I used campanelle)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter 1/2 stick
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk I used whole
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg preferably freshly ground
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • TO ROAST THE SQUASH:
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Toss butternut squash with olive oil and garlic in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Pour out onto a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Roast about 25 minutes, until lightly golden brown and tender.
  • Add roasted squash to food processor and puree until mostly smooth.
  • TO MAKE THE BREADCRUMBS:
  • Melt 2 Tbsp butter over MED heat in a small saucepan. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally. Once the butter has turned golden brown and smells nutty, turn off the heat. Pour butter over the panko and sage in a small dish. Use a fork to toss it all together, and set aside.
  • TO MAKE THE MAC AND CHEESE:
  • Preheat oven to 375 F.
  • Bring a large saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add some salt and the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until 3-4 minutes LESS than the package directions. Drain and transfer to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and stir.
  • Heat a medium saucepan over MED-HIGH heat and melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk, stirring well, until the flour is mixed in, and cook about 1 minute. Whisk in the milk, half-and-half, nutmeg and salt and pepper. Simmer, whisking often, smoothing out any lumps, for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add two-thirds each of the Gruyère and cheddar. Stir until smooth. Add about 1 cup of the pureed butternut squash and stir to combine well.
  • Pour the cheese sauce into the pasta bowl and toss to combine. Add pasta to a greased 13x9 baking pan (or any pan from 2.75-3.3L capacity). Sprinkle the remaining one-third Gruyère and cheddar and all of the Parmesan. Top evenly with the panko breadcrumbs.
  • Bake until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbly, about 15 minutes or so. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving

Want to save this recipe for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own recipe box!

Chef Tips

** Recipe adapted from Williams-Sonoma
** If desired, garnish with crispy prosciutto and fresh minced sage or parsley
** To save on time the squash can be roasted ahead of time.

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Did You Make This?Tag @the_chunky_chef on Instagram and hashtag it #thechunkychef so I can see what you made!
Tag on Insta! Leave a Rating Save for Later Saved!

You May Also Like...

  • Creamy mac and cheese, made with double the cheeses, chipotle peppers, crispy bacon, and a buttery panko topping!  Perfect for a weeknight comfort food meal! #macandcheese #macaroni #bacon #chipotle #smoky #comfortfood #weeknightmeal #easyrecipe #homemade
    Smoky Chipotle Bacon Mac and Cheese
  • This Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese has all the amazing flavors of the wildly popular appetizer, made into an ultra creamy and comforting baked Mac and cheese dish! | #macandcheese #jalapenopopper #comfortfood #macaroniandcheese #recipe
    Baked Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese
  • Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, and SO easy!  No boiling pasta, no velveeta, and no condensed soups needed.  Perfect side dish or kid-friendly dinner option! #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #crockpot #slowcooker #easyrecipe #sidedish #potluck #holiday
    Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
  • Rich and creamy homemade baked mac and cheese, filled with multiple layers of shredded cheeses, smothered in a smooth cheese sauce, and baked until bubbly and perfect!
    Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Previous Post
Next Post

Meet The Chunky Chef

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

Learn More

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question, comment, or review below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Louise says

    Posted on 1/29 at 7:21 pm

    Hi there! I absolutely love this recipe, I actually made it for my wedding and it was a huge hit! I’m pregnant now and want to make it and freeze it for when the babies born- at what point should I freeze it/do you think it would freeze well? Thank you!!!!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 1/30 at 3:09 pm

      Hi Louise 🙂 Oh wow, I’m honored that you chose this recipe to make for your wedding! Congratulations on that and the pregnancy! I haven’t tested freezing this recipe, but I would probably freeze it once the pasta is tossed with the sauce (but I’d leave off the cheese and breadcrumbs).

      Reply
  2. Lauren says

    Posted on 4/15 at 7:32 pm

    Can thIs be Made Ahead of time? Like the night before and cooked the following day?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 4/15 at 10:05 pm

      Hi Lauren 🙂 I’ve never done it, but I think it would work just fine! Although I would only put on the breadcrumb topping right before you bake it 🙂

      Reply
  3. Britt says

    Posted on 11/27 at 11:58 am

    Just made this tonight for my husband and me. We both loved it! Used a bit less milk than called for (1 cup) because that’s all we had and half a medium-sized butternut squash. Also added about a half tsp of dijon mustard to the sauce. Served with side salad with balsamic dressing. Absolutely delicious. Can’t wait for the leftovers tomorrow.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/28 at 10:29 pm

      Hi Britt 🙂 I’m so happy that you both loved this mac and cheese as much as we do!

      Reply
  4. Erin says

    Posted on 11/21 at 6:41 pm

    Never mind! Just saw that it’s one cup after blended, so I’ll roast the whole thing. Thank you!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/21 at 8:32 pm

      Hi Erin 🙂 It looks like part of the recipe got screwed up when I implemented a new site theme, it should have said just 1 butternut squash… so you’re completely right in roasting the whole thing 🙂 I hope you all love it!

      Reply
      • Erin says

        Posted on 12/17 at 7:43 pm

        Yes, we all loved it for our Thanksgiving side. I’m making it again tonight for a holiday potluck. Yum!

        Reply
        • The Chunky Chef says

          Posted on 12/17 at 11:33 pm

          I’m so happy to hear everyone loved it!! 🙂 I hope you have a great upcoming holiday!

          Reply
  5. Erin says

    Posted on 11/21 at 6:40 pm

    I found this recipe on Pinterest. Looks great! I’m getting ready to prep it for Thanksgiving. Can you please clarify how much butternut squash to use? The recipe calls for “1 inch”…. does that mean 1 cup? 1 whole squash? Thanks so much! I look forward to trying it!

    Reply
  6. Christine says

    Posted on 11/21 at 6:35 am

    Now THIS is a mac and cheese I can identify with! Love gruyere. I must make this “for my kids.” Thanks for sharing this at #SaucySaturdays

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/22 at 9:18 pm

      Thanks Christine!! Gruyere is hands down, my favorite cheese ever… I just wish it wasn’t expensive, or else I’d use it in pretty much everything lol. Lol well I hope “your kids” love it!! 😀

      Reply
  7. Meg @ With Salt and Wit says

    Posted on 11/18 at 10:43 am

    Anything with gruyere has my heart!

    Reply
  8. arlene@arl's world says

    Posted on 11/16 at 9:34 pm

    This looks so wonderful and would be perfect for Thanksgiving! Love it!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/18 at 10:23 pm

      Thank you Arlene!! 😀

      Reply
  9. Amy says

    Posted on 11/15 at 8:32 pm

    What do i do with the rest of the butternut squash after I add one cup to the cheese sauce? Just save it for another use?

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/15 at 8:38 pm

      It would keep for several days in the refrigerator, or what I usually do is to put it in a ziploc bag and freeze it 🙂

      Reply
  10. stef says

    Posted on 11/15 at 2:15 pm

    This looks so delicious!!! I love the panic on top. I do similar sometimes and it is so nice having that little crispy crunch with the creamy pasta. Thanks for sharing with FF.

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/15 at 10:51 pm

      Thank you Stef!! I love the crispy top… it’s my favorite part 🙂

      Reply
  11. Meghan | Fox and Briar says

    Posted on 11/14 at 4:20 pm

    This looks unbelievably good. I am totally with you on the anti yellow cheese front. White cheese just tastes better! I love all the flavors you have going on here, can’t wait to make this!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 10:04 pm

      Thank you Meghan!! Ahhhh a fellow white cheese lover… awesome! 😀

      Reply
  12. Judi Graber says

    Posted on 11/14 at 10:32 am

    Good choice of getting some veggies in your mac and cheese. I love all the different versions that people are posting. Happy Fiesta Friday and thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 10:00 pm

      Thank you Judi!! Any way I can sneak some extra veggies into my kids’ food, I’m all for it 🙂

      Reply
  13. Maris (In Good Taste) says

    Posted on 11/13 at 1:37 am

    Sign me up for two servings please!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 9:56 pm

      You got it Maris! 😉

      Reply
  14. Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says

    Posted on 11/12 at 8:01 pm

    Yummy, I’m loving everything about this mac and cheese! Those browned butter sage breadcrumbs and all that gruyere cheese…heavenly!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 9:54 pm

      Thanks so much Kimberly!! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen says

    Posted on 11/12 at 7:53 pm

    Wow, the flavors in this! So delicious!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 9:54 pm

      Thank you Valerie!! 😀

      Reply
  16. Laura @ Petite Allergy Treats says

    Posted on 11/12 at 3:03 pm

    Perfect comfort meal!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 9:53 pm

      Thank you Laura! 🙂

      Reply
  17. Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says

    Posted on 11/12 at 9:42 am

    I LOVE homemade mac and cheese and right now I would devour this! My sister is the opposite, she does not like homemade mac and cheese (what is wrong with her?!) and actually prefers the boxed stuff…

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 9:53 pm

      Thank you Kacey!!! What… not liking homemade mac and cheese?? More for you then 😀

      Reply
  18. Johanne Lamarche says

    Posted on 11/12 at 8:28 am

    Decadent but still healthy with the squash right?????!!!!!! I could die right now!

    Reply
    • The Chunky Chef says

      Posted on 11/14 at 9:52 pm

      Thanks Johanne!! Yep, I say totally healthy 😉

      Reply

Primary Sidebar

welcome!

Hey there! I'm Amanda. Wife, mother, photography nerd, and bacon lover! I believe that delicious meals should be easy to make. Now that you’re here, stay a bit, browse a few recipes, and let’s get cookin’!

New! Save Recipes To Your Own Account!

Free eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

download now!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

Game Day Recipes!

These crowd-pleasing tender meatballs are smothered in a super flavorful honey garlic bbq sauce.  Perfect for parties, this crockpot meatball recipe couldn't be more simple to make! #meatballs #crockpot #slowcooker #honeygarlic #bbq #appetizer #party #honey #garlic #easyrecipe

Honey Garlic Crockpot Meatballs

2 hours 5 minutes

Smooth and silky queso dip, made using NO velveeta!  Packed with flavor, yet so easy to make, and party ready in just 20 minutes! #queso #dip #cheese #mexican #appetizer #party #cincodemayo #easyrecipe

Queso Dip Recipe

20 minutes

Creamy, cheesy, and oh so addicting, this bacon cheeseburger dip is just like your favorite gooey cheeseburger... but in a party-ready dip form! #bacon #gameday #cheesy #cheeseburger #party #appetizer #dip #easyrecipe

Creamy Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

32 minutes

Insanely tasty chicken wing recipe, dry rubbed, then hickory smoked to perfection.  And don't forget the homemade bourbon bbq sauce! #chickenwings #wingrecipe #smoked #smoker #smokedchickenwings #bourbon #bbq #crispy

Bourbon BBQ Smoked Chicken Wings

3 hours

This easy game day appetizer combines classic buffalo wing flavors with cool creaminess in an easy dip made in the crockpot. Perfect for any party, serve it up with chips or celery sticks and watch everyone go back for seconds!

Buffalo Chicken Dip (Crockpot Recipe)

2 hours 10 minutes

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels | These pinwheels are filled with a creamy chicken taco filling, which is easily customizable, and rolled up to make a perfect appetizer or party food! | http://thechunkychef.com

Chicken Taco Mexican Pinwheels

15 minutes

More Holiday Recipes >

Who doesn’t love free stuff?

Who doesn't love free stuff? Get an ad-free ebook of my most popular recipes, plus be the FIRST to know about new things coming to the site!

Looking for something?

As Seen On…

Stay Connected

subscribe to get new posts via email:

Quick & Easy

Dinner Favorites

Hearty and positively soul-warming, this beef barley soup simmers all day in the slow cooker, which makes for an incredibly rich soup recipe! #beefbarley #soup #slowcooker #crockpot #comfortfood #barley #beefsoup #easyrecipe #dinner
M

Crockpot Beef Barley Soup

white bowl of chicken and dumplings
T

Instant Pot Chicken & Dumplings

HONEY GARLIC SALMON - Succulent and tender salmon filets cooked in a mouthwatering simple honey garlic sauce, then broiled until sticky and caramelized.  Made with simple ingredients, in one pan, and in just 20 minutes! #salmon #honeygarlic #onepan #easyrecipe #dinner #seafood #fish
W

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon

Light and filling, this Italian Wedding Soup is perfectly delicious comfort food, all year round.  Made in one pan, and ready in 30 minutes, this recipe is great for a weeknight meal! #soup #souprecipe #Italianweddingsoup #onepot #30minutemeal #weeknight #dinner #easyrecipe #homemaderecipe
R

Italian Wedding Soup

This Honey Garlic Chicken is one incredible weeknight dinner idea. Juicy chicken coated and cooked with a glorious sauce made with soy, hoisin, garlic, honey and more! Toss it all in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you! #dinner #chicken #asian #honey #garlic #honeygarlic #easyrecipe #weeknight #slowcooker #crockpot
F

Honey Garlic Chicken

S

Swedish Meatballs

Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window
free e-book!

Download MY Free Recipe eBook!

Subscribe & receive my most popular recipes compiled into an easy ebook format!

get my copy!

Subscribe & Receive My Free Recipe Ebook!

As Featured On:

Back to Top

Recipes

Dinners

Appetizers

Desserts

Slow Cooker

Learn to Cook

Start Here

Tips & Tricks

e-Cookbook

Easy Recipes

  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Contact
© 2023 The Chunky Chef
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top