Cozy Autumn Crockpot Mac Cheese (Print Version)

Slow-cooked comfort food blending pasta, autumn vegetables, and creamy cheese sauce with warm seasonal spices.

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups elbow macaroni
02 - 1 cup diced butternut squash, peeled
03 - 1 cup shredded carrots
04 - 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed

→ Cheese Sauce

05 - 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - ½ cup shredded gouda cheese
07 - ½ cup whole-milk plain yogurt
08 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Seasonings & Extras

09 - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
13 - Olive oil for roasting vegetables

# Steps:

01 - Peel and dice the butternut squash into ½-inch cubes. Toss the squash cubes and shredded carrots with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and the smoked paprika. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until just tender. Meanwhile, remove the kale stems and roughly chop the leaves.
02 - In the crockpot, add the uncooked elbow macaroni, roasted vegetables, and chopped kale to ensure even pasta cooking and flavor absorption.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the broth, yogurt, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged.
04 - Sprinkle additional salt if needed, then dot the surface with the butter pieces.
05 - Cover and set the crockpot to low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al-dente and the vegetables fully softened.
06 - About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, stir in the shredded cheddar and gouda. Allow the heat to melt the cheese, creating a glossy, velvety coating. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

# Notes:

01 - The broth adds moisture without diluting flavor, while the butter enriches the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
02 - Nutmeg and smoked paprika bring a whisper of autumn spice, elevating the classic mac and cheese.
03 - The kale not only contributes a pleasant bite but also supplies vitamins that balance the indulgence.

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