Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese by Meseidy

Who doesn’t like mac and cheese? Seriously, how can someone look at a bowl of piping hot creamy mac and cheese in front of them and say, “Nah, not really my thing…?” That would be madness. Madness, I tell you!

Okay, I know that might be a little overly dramatic. But come on, we’re talking about cheese and pasta here.

 
 

There are many dishes that trigger childhood nostalgia and I’m convinced mac and cheese is one of them. Be it that favorite after-school snack or your mom’s famous baked mac and cheese, most of us have at least one cherished memory tied to mac and cheese. And just when you think mac and cheese couldn’t be more awesome, we’re going to add butternut and sage. Using butternut and sage in the cheese sauce not only adds a sweet fall flavor but it’s also an easy way to crank up the creaminess and sneak in some veggies.

 
 

Are you thinking you don’t have time to fuss with making a cheese sauce? I get it. Normally, making a cheese sauce requires making a roux, adding milk to make a béchamel, and then adding cheese. But with the use of a slow cooker and butternut squash, you are mere steps away from having the most perfectly creamy cheese sauce.

 
 

The butternut squash cooks in the slow cooker with the aromatics and herbs until tender. Then all you need to do is puree the butternut and add the cheeses and cooked macaroni.

Look at all that amazing cheesiness. But it doesn’t end there because the flavor of this cheese sauce is everything! It has a hint of sweetness from the butternut, saltiness from the cheese, and is loaded with savory aromatics. All with barely any hands-on time. I just love effortless delicious recipes!

 
 

Do you have any favorite effortless go-to recipes? Or fond memories tied to mac and cheese? Come share with us below!

Oh, and here’s the link to the printable recipe on Tasty Kitchen: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese