This Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on the classic dish! It’s rich, creamy, and has that lovely sweetness from the sweet potatoes.
Honestly, it’s like giving your mac and cheese a cozy hug. I love how it’s both cheesy and a little healthy. Perfect for a chilly evening! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These add a wonderful natural sweetness and creaminess to the dish. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, you can substitute butternut squash or even pumpkin puree for a similar flavor and texture.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta or any shape you prefer, like shells or penne.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor, but you can mix it up with mozzarella for a milder taste or use a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a plant-based option.
Milk: Whole milk creates a rich sauce, but if you want to lighten it up, you can use skim milk or plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. Just watch the flavor difference!
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Creating a creamy cheese sauce is all about the roux and the way you add the cheese. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a medium saucepan on medium heat. Melt the butter and stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute to remove the raw flavor of the flour.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps from forming. Keep whisking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Once thick, remove from heat before adding cheese. This helps the cheese melt without clumping together.
Tip: If you want the cheese sauce to be extra smooth, consider using shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged, as it doesn’t have anti-caking agents which can affect melting.
Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
For the Sweet Potato Base:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp mustard powder or 1 tsp Dijon mustard for extra flavor
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to create this delicious Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Peel and dice the sweet potatoes. Boil or steam them in a pot until they are tender, which should take about 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and mash until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. This helps thicken your sauce.
5. Add the Milk:
Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
6. Combine Sweet Potatoes and Seasonings:
Stir the mashed sweet potatoes into the milk mixture, making sure it’s well combined. Then add the garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, black pepper, and optional mustard powder or Dijon mustard. Mix everything well.
7. Add the Cheeses:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until they melt and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8. Mix Pasta and Sauce:
Gently combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy goodness.
9. Prepare for Baking:
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased oven-safe skillet or a baking dish.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the mac and cheese uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
11. Serve with a Garnish:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Enjoy your delicious, creamy Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese with a delightful touch of fresh herbs!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan provide great flavor and texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or gouda for a smokier flavor. Just make sure they melt well!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
You can make it vegan by using plant-based milk (such as almond or oat milk), vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Additionally, you can use nutritional yeast in place of cheese for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance! Simply complete the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as usual.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to add moisture back to the sauce.
