Crispy Mac and Cheese Cups

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Picture of Crispy Mac and Cheese Cups Recipe 1 Video | Photo: Crispy Mac and Cheese Cups Recipe
Rated 4 stars out of 5
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Total Time:
1 hr 25 min
Prep
25 min
Cook
1 hr 0 min
Yield:
12 servings
Level:
Easy
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Ingredients

Butternut Squash Puree:

  • 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 pound whole-grain elbow macaroni, such as Barilla Plus
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup lowfat (1-percent) milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • Big pinch cayenne
  • 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded pecorino cheese
  • Nonstick cooking spray, for greasing

Topping:

  • 1 slice whole-grain bread, toasted
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • Canola oil, for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Special equipment: twelve 6-ounce ramekins

Directions

For the butternut squash puree: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Spread the squash out on a baking sheet and sprinkle with the oil, salt and pepper. Roast until tender, 25 minutes; allow to cool slightly. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until smooth. Measure out 1 1/2 cups puree.

For the mac and cheese: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water, and transfer the cooked pasta back into the hot pot it was cooked in.

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and simmer until thickened; add the onion powder, salt, ground mustard and cayenne. Stir in the Cheddar, pecorino and 1 1/2 cups squash puree and cook until the cheese is melted. Pour the cheese sauce into the drained pasta and mix well. Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water, mixing well, using about 3/4 cup depending on desired creaminess.

Spray twelve 6-ounce ramekins with nonstick cooking spray; fill with about 3/4 cup of the pasta mixture and place on a large baking sheet.

For the topping: Put the bread in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until the bread is in fine crumbs. Mix the breadcrumbs with the Parmesan and sprinkle some of the mixture over each portion of pasta; drizzle each serving with a teaspoon of canola oil. Bake until the crust becomes golden and crispy, 12 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

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Newest Ratings and Reviews

Read all 3 reviews

  • on March 04, 2013

    Flag

    I saw Bobby Dean make this recipe on his show last week and I wanted to try it. I liked it and so did my family. I did make a few changes though. I upped the cheddar cheese to 1 cup and added more spices. Instead of cayenne, I used hot sauce, and doubled all the other spices. Usually, I do not make a full pound of pasta when I make Mac and Cheese. I have a small family, and a pound is too much. Next time, i'll only use my usual 3 cups of pasta. You really do taste the squash and its a great way to get your children to eat more vegetables.

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  • on February 09, 2013

    Flag

    Should have listened to Paula as she commented at the end of the show, "It was okay." This is not mac n cheese. As a healthy, different side dish, this was okay. As a mac n cheese dish, it was not very good at all.

    people found this review Helpful.
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  • on February 04, 2013

    Flag

    Loved it!!

    people found this review Helpful.
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