Healthy Winter Squash Mac and Four Cheese Bake
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy delight of this Healthy Winter Squash Mac and Four Cheese Bake, a guilt-free twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with nutritious winter squash for added flavor and nutrients, this dish is a great way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing taste. The combination of extra-sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and part-skim ricotta creates a rich, satisfying cheese sauce that's perfect for both kids and adults. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust, this dish is not only delicious but also a wholesome everyday meal option that your family will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking pan)
Elbow macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
Frozen pureed winter squash
20 ounces (thawed)
Low-fat milk
2 cups (whole or low-fat)
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces (grated (about 1 1/3 cups))
Monterey Jack cheese
2 ounces (grated (about 2/3 cup))
Part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Mustard powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Unseasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (none)
Olive oil
1 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Healthy Winter Squash Mac and Four Cheese Bake?
It is a nutritious, guilt-free twist on classic comfort food that incorporates winter squash and a blend of four cheeses.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of uncooked elbow macaroni.
Which four cheeses are included in the recipe?
The dish features extra-sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, part-skim ricotta, and Parmesan cheese.
How is the winter squash prepared for this dish?
The recipe uses 20 ounces of frozen pureed winter squash that has been thawed.
Is this mac and cheese recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is tagged as a vegetarian meal option.
What kind of milk is recommended for the cheese sauce?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of low-fat or whole milk.
How much extra-sharp cheddar cheese is needed?
You will need 4 ounces (about 1 1/3 cups) of grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
What quantity of Monterey Jack cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2 ounces (about 2/3 cup) of grated Monterey Jack cheese.
What type of ricotta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese.
What provides the spicy kick in this recipe?
A 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper is included to add a slight kick.
How much mustard powder is added to the sauce?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of mustard powder for flavor.
What is the benefit of adding winter squash to this dish?
It is a great way to sneak in extra nutrients and vegetables without sacrificing the classic taste.
What are the ingredients for the crispy topping?
The golden topping consists of Parmesan cheese, unseasoned breadcrumbs, and olive oil.
How much Parmesan cheese is used for the topping?
The topping requires 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
What amount of breadcrumbs is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unseasoned breadcrumbs.
How much olive oil is used in the breadcrumb mixture?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of olive oil for the topping.
Should I use seasoned or unseasoned breadcrumbs?
The recipe specifically calls for unseasoned breadcrumbs.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
You should use cooking spray as needed to grease the baking pan.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly meal perfect for both kids and adults.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
How would you describe the texture of this dish?
It features a rich, creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crispy crust.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, it is tagged as low-fat and uses ingredients like low-fat milk and part-skim ricotta.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 13 total ingredients.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include healthy, macaroni and cheese, squash, vegetarian, and comfort food.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome twist on a classic comfort food.
Can I use fresh squash instead of frozen?
While the recipe calls for frozen pureed squash, you can use fresh pureed winter squash if available.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
The caloric information is not specified in the current recipe data.
What category of meal does this fall into?
It is categorized as a baked pasta and a family meal.
Is the macaroni cooked before it goes into the bake?
The ingredient list specifies 1 lb of uncooked elbow macaroni, though traditional methods usually involve boiling before baking.
What type of cheddar provides the best flavor for this dish?
The recipe recommends extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile.