This Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy twist on the classic dish! The addition of sweet potatoes makes it comforting and adds a hint of sweetness that everyone will love.
You can’t go wrong with a cheesy pasta dish, right? Plus, you get a veggie boost from those sweet potatoes. I often sneak in extra cheese for good measure. Who can resist that? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: This is the star of the dish! It adds a lovely sweetness and creamy texture. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin puree as a tasty alternative.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but feel free to swap it out for shells, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for added nutrition. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed!
Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but you can mix and match with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick. If you want a dairy-free option, try using nutritional yeast with a non-dairy cheese substitute.
Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest results, but you can also use 2% milk or a plant-based milk like almond or oat, just keep an eye on the thickness of the sauce.
How Do I Get a Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
Nobody likes a lumpy cheese sauce! To achieve a smooth, creamy consistency, follow these tips:
- Make a roux: Cook the flour in melted butter for about a minute before adding the milk. This helps prevent lumps.
- Add milk slowly: When pouring in the milk, do it gradually, whisking constantly. It helps to break up any potential lumps right away.
- Low heat is your friend: Once you add cheese, keep the heat low. High heat can cause the cheese to clump rather than melt smoothly.
By keeping these steps in mind, you’ll be on your way to a deliciously creamy mac and cheese!
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 to 1.5 cups mashed)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 25-30 minutes to cook and bake. In total, you should set aside about 45 minutes to enjoy cooking and perfecting this dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potato:
Start by peeling and dicing the sweet potato into small cubes. Place the cubes in a pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil. Cook the sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they’re tender. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the sweet potato until it’s smooth. Set it aside for later.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for now.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same pot or a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk it together for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep cooking until the sauce begins to thicken—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, reduce the heat to low and mix in the cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella until everything is melted and smooth.
4. Combine Sweet Potato and Cheese Sauce:
Now, add the smooth, mashed sweet potato to your cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the sweet potato is completely mixed in and the sauce is creamy.
5. Mix Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni into the sweet potato-cheese sauce. Gently stir to combine the pasta with the sauce, ensuring all the macaroni is coated well.
6. Transfer and Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remainder of the mozzarella cheese on top for that melty, bubbly goodness.
7. Bake:
Transfer the baking dish to your oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely finish. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese!
This dish is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every cheesy, sweet bite! 🍽️
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with shells, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta options. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Milk?
If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Just make sure to choose unsweetened varieties to keep the flavor balanced.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
