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1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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2
Boil the macaroni noodles, using the package instructions for al dente.
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3
(Do this in two batches if it means keeping them from sticking to each other.
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4
Drain them at 1 minute shy of al dente cooking time, and rinse with cool water).
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5
Drain and set aside.
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6
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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7
In a food processor, add the bread (torn into chunks) to the bowl.
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8
Pulse until you have a fine crumb.
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9
Empty the crumbs onto a sheet pan and toast in the hot oven for about 10 minutes, or until the crumbs are golden and crispy.
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10
Set aside.
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11
In a large heavy pot, melt 4 ounces of the butter over medium heat.
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12
Add the onion and cook until soft.
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13
Add the butternut squash to the onion and cook until tender about 8 minutes.
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14
It should be just tender though, not mushy or falling apart.
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15
Season the onions and squash with Kosher salt and transfer to a bowl.
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16
In the same heavy pot, melt the rest of the butter for the roux.
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17
Add the flour to the melted butter, and start stirring with a wooden spoon.
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18
Stir constantly until the butter and flour form a smooth paste.
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19
Cook for several minutes.
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20
Add the cream, 1 cup at a time, stirring the roux into a smooth consistency.
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21
Add 1 cup of milk and stir the roux until smooth.
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22
At this point, if you feel like your sauce is too tight (thick), then stir in the extra cup of milk until smooth.
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23
Add the garlic clove and stir in.
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24
Add the cheese to the sauce and stir and stir!
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25
(this took me about 10 minutes to get it smooth)
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26
Add the cayenne pepper and taste the sauce to determine if you would like extra spice or salt.
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27
Remove the sauce from the heat.
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28
Add the macaroni noodles.
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29
Add the onions and butternut squash to the macaroni noodles and sauce.
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30
Stir everything together really well.
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31
Spray a baking dish with cooking spray.
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32
Spoon the macaroni into the baking dish.
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33
Sprinkle the bread crumbs generously over the top of the macaroni.
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34
Bake the dish at 375 degrees F for about 30 minutes until the macaroni and cheese is very hot and bubbly on the edges.
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35
The top will be crispy and golden.
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36
Spoon up into dishes and serve hot!