Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

This Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese is my homemade take on the seasonal favorite, with creamy cheese sauce, roasted butternut squash, sage, and nutmeg in every bite. It has that same rich fall flavor as the frozen version, but the sauce is extra creamy and the roasted squash gives it a fresher, more homemade taste.

Why You'll Love This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese Recipe

I’ve been having a lot of fun making recipes with Trader Joe’s ingredients lately. My Trader Joe’s chicken pot pie and Trader Joe’s focaccia sandwich have both been huge hits, so I wanted to keep that going with one of their most popular seasonal items... butternut squash mac and cheese.

Instead of trying to make an exact copy of the frozen version, I wanted this one to taste a little more homemade. I roast fresh butternut squash until it’s really soft, blend it right into the sauce, and combine it with cream, milk, cheddar, sage, and nutmeg. The roasted squash gives the sauce a fresh sweetness and makes it incredibly creamy without needing a traditional flour-based cheese sauce.

You still get that savory, slightly sweet fall flavor that makes Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese so popular, but with a freshly made sauce and roasted squash in every bite.

Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Ingredients 

• 1 lb. (16 oz.) Trader Joe's Mezzi Rigatoni or Italian Macaroni
• 3 tbsps. Salted Butter
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 lb. Butternut Squash, Large Chunks and Roasted
• 8 oz. Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ tsp. White Pepper
• ¼ tsp. Ground Nutmeg
• ¼ tsp. Dry Sage
• ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
• ¼ tsp. Black Pepper

Ingredient Notes

• Pasta: I like using Trader Joe’s mezzi rigatoni when I can find it, but they've been all out recently so I went with Trader Joe's Italian macaroni.
• Butternut squash: You’ll need about 1 pound peeled and cut into chunks. Trader Joe’s pre-cut butternut squash is an easy shortcut when it’s available and saves you from peeling and chopping a whole squash.
• Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded cheddar melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. I like shredding Trader Joe's sharp cheddar cheese block so its melts better and doesn’t get lost behind the squash and cream.
• Heavy cream and milk: Using both keeps the sauce rich and creamy without making it quite as heavy as using all cream.
• Sage and nutmeg: These are what give the mac and cheese its signature fall flavor. A little goes a long way, especially with the naturally sweet roasted squash.
• Reserved pasta water: Save some before draining the macaroni. It helps the squash blend smoothly and gives you an easy way to loosen the cheese sauce if it gets too thick.

How To Make Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Spread the butternut squash on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, or until very soft and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Blend the Squash

Add the roasted butternut squash to a blender with about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Carefully blend until completely smooth, adding a little more pasta water if needed.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the milk, heavy cream, butternut squash purée, white pepper, nutmeg, sage, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk everything together and cook over medium-low heat until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Pasta

Remove the pot from the heat and add the shredded cheddar in a few additions, whisking until smooth before adding more. Stir in the cooked macaroni until every piece is coated in the creamy butternut squash cheese sauce.

If the sauce gets too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Top with a little extra shredded cheese before serving if you like.

My Tips for The Best Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese 

• Don’t rush the sauce. Let the milk, cream, and squash mixture heat gently before adding the cheese. If the base gets too hot, the cheese can turn grainy instead of smooth.
• Taste before adding extra salt. Salted butter, cheddar, and pasta water all bring seasoning to the sauce, so wait until everything is combined before deciding if it needs more.
• Add a little acidity if it tastes too rich. A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or squeeze of lemon can brighten the sauce without making it taste sour.
• Make it extra savory. If you want to push the flavor closer to the Trader Joe’s version, stir in a small pinch of mustard powder or cayenne at the end.
• Serve it right away. The sauce thickens as it sits, so it’s at its creamiest straight from the pot.

How to Store and Reheat Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

• In the fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the freezer: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months, although the sauce may be slightly less smooth after thawing. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• To reheat: Warm the mac and cheese on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of milk before reheating and stir as it warms to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. For the best texture, avoid overheating it. Gentle heat keeps the cheese sauce creamy and helps prevent it from separating or becoming oily.

Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese FAQs

Is Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese seasonal?

Yes. Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese is a seasonal fall item, which is one reason it has such a loyal following. This homemade version lets you make the same style of creamy, sage-and-nutmeg mac and cheese even when the frozen version isn’t available.

What does butternut squash mac and cheese taste like?

It’s creamy and cheesy with a mild sweetness from the roasted butternut squash. The sage and nutmeg give it a warm fall flavor, but it still tastes like mac and cheese rather than a sweet squash dish.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes. Frozen butternut squash works well as long as you cook it until very soft and drain off any excess moisture before blending. You’ll need about 1 pound to replace the fresh squash.

Can I use butternut squash puree instead?

Yes. You can substitute about 2 cups of smooth butternut squash puree for the roasted squash. Since the puree is already smooth, you can skip the blending step and stir it directly into the cream sauce.

What pasta is best for butternut squash mac and cheese?

Mezzi rigatoni or large elbows work really well because the thick sauce gets inside and around the pasta. Shells, cavatappi, or another short pasta with ridges or curves will also hold onto the sauce.

What cheese works best with butternut squash?

Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it gives the sauce enough savory flavor to balance the sweetness of the squash. Gouda and Parmesan also pair really well with butternut squash if you want to use a blend.

Is this an exact Trader Joe’s copycat recipe?

Yes, this is my homemade take on Trader Joe’s butternut squash mac and cheese. I use fresh roasted squash, elbow macaroni, cheddar, cream, milk, sage, and nutmeg, all from Trader Joe's, to recreate the same creamy fall flavor with a more freshly made sauce.

Can I make butternut squash mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes. For the creamiest result, make the butternut squash cheese sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate it separately, then reheat it over medium-low heat and toss it with freshly cooked pasta before serving. If you want to make the entire dish ahead, slightly undercook the pasta and mix with the sauce, then refrigerate it for up to a day. Reheat again over medium-low with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, since it will thicken as it sits.

More Trader Joe's Recipes to Try

• Trader Joe's lobster bisque pasta
• Trader Joe's chili crisp dumpling bake
• Trader Joe's chicken pot pot
• Trader Joe's focaccia sandwich