This Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese is a creamy twist on a classic favorite! The sweet potatoes add a lovely color and a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese.
Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one bowl! Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and let it melt for that extra cheesy goodness. Yum! 😋
What’s great is that it’s easy to make. Just boil, mash the sweet potatoes, and mix everything together. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potato: The star of this dish, sweet potatoes add creaminess and a natural sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin puree instead for a similar effect.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but penne or any other short pasta works well too. Gluten-free pasta is a great alternative if you’re avoiding gluten!
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice, bold flavor. If you want something milder, go for mozzarella alone or try gouda. For a dairy-free option, cashew cheese or nutritional yeast can work wonders.
Milk: Whole milk creates a rich sauce, but you can swap it for almond milk or oat milk if you’re looking for a lighter or non-dairy option.
How to Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is what makes this dish so creamy and delicious. Start by whisking the flour into the melted butter to form a roux. This step thickens the sauce. Keep stirring while gradually adding the milk; avoiding lumps is key!
- Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the sweet potato to the thickened milk mixture and blend it well.
- Once combined, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella in small amounts, stirring until melted.
Taking your time with this step will give you the smoothest sauce possible! Mix in the pasta gently to coat it all. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or penne pasta
For the Sweet Potato:
- 1 large sweet potato (about 1 to 1½ cups mashed)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll need roughly 40 minutes total to enjoy this delicious dish from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, take a moment to lightly grease your favorite baking dish or an oven-safe skillet. This will help your mac and cheese not stick!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato:
Peel the sweet potato and cut it into chunks. Place the chunks in a pot of boiling water and let them cook until they’re very tender, about 15-20 minutes. Once soft, drain the water and mash the sweet potato until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means just firm enough to bite into. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden and bubbly; this creates your roux. Then, gradually whisk in the milk while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Combine the Sweet Potato:
Lower the heat and stir the mashed sweet potato into the thickened milk mixture until it’s well combined.
6. Add the Cheese:
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is nice and creamy. Don’t forget to season with garlic powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to your taste!
7. Mix in the Pasta:
Gently fold the drained pasta into the savory cheese and sweet potato sauce. Make sure the noodles are well coated with that cheesy goodness!
8. Bake & Finish:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish or skillet. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, then pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish & Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your mac and cheese cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy this creamy, comforting dish!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can easily substitute it with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta. Gluten-free pasta works great too if you need a non-wheat option.
Can I Substitute the Sweet Potato?
Yes! If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, you can use butternut squash or pumpkin puree. Both will give a similar creamy texture and a gentle sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and assemble it in your baking dish. Cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra few minutes to the cooking time to heat it through thoroughly.