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Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Veggies, but make it sneaky and delicious

Ian Fujimoto's avatar
Ian Fujimoto
Nov 08, 2025
∙ Paid

There is nothing more heartbreaking than the day these are done for the season and you realize that you have to wait a whole year for them to come back in season. But now you don’t have to rely on Trader Joe’s, now you can make a whole casserole dish to enjoy on your couch, in your pjs, ANY time of the year.


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Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Veggies, but make it sneaky and delicious

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 8 (as a side, less as a meal)

Ingredients:

Butternut Squash Puree
  • Butternut Squash (1)

  • Garlic (4 cloves)

  • Olive Oil (to taste)

  • Salt (to taste)

Cheese Sauce
  • Heavy Cream (1 cup)

  • Bay Leaf (2)

  • Garlic Powder (1 tsp)

  • Dried Thyme (½ tsp)

  • Dried Sage (½ tsp)

  • Dried Rosemary (½ tsp)

  • Cayenne (¼ tsp)

  • Nutmeg (¼ tsp…fresh is possible)

  • Mild White Cheddar (100g)

  • Gouda (100g)

  • Gruyere (200g) NOT IN OG BUT ADDS MELTY-NESS

  • Miso (1 tbsp - optional)

  • Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp)

  • Salt (to taste)

  • Black Pepper (to taste)

  • Whole Milk (to taste)

Other
  • Rigatoni (1 pound dried)

  • Pasta Water (to taste)

  • Parmigiano Reggiano (to taste)


Preparation:

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