Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Get all the spices together.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.

Step 3: Add pasta and cook until al dente.

Step 4: Meanwhile, heat a saucepan to medium heat.

Step 5: Add the butter.

Step 6: Allow the butter to melt and brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 7: Then whisk in the flour and cook 1 to 2 minutes until it just starts to bubble and turns a golden color.

Step 8: Make sure to whisk constantly to avoid clumping.

Step 9: Whisk together the dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sage, thyme, nutmeg, onion powder, and cayenne powder.

Step 10: Add to pan and stir to combine .

Step 11: Gradually pour in the half and half and then the buttermilk while whisking until smooth.

Step 12: Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens up like a bechamel.

Step 13: Then add the butternut squash puree

Step 14: Turn off the heat entirely and add all the cheeses.

Step 15: Whisk together until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is completely smooth.

Step 16: Taste and adjust anything to your liking.

Step 17: Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it and toss it into the sauce.

Step 18: Mix together.

Step 19: Can serve now or pour into 9x13 buttered Pam sprayed casserole.

Step 20: Cover bake at 350 for 30 minutes until bubbly.