Description
This Easy Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese is a comforting and healthier twist on a classic favorite. Roasted sweet potatoes lend natural creaminess and sweetness, combined with melted cheddar cheese and optional smoky and savory additions like smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, roasted garlic, and truffle oil. This creamy pasta dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner and can be customized with your favorite strong cheeses.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 2 cups dried macaroni
- 1/2 cup heavy (double) cream
- 3.5 oz grated cheddar cheese
- 2 pinches smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 head of garlic (for roasting)
- 1 tsp truffle oil
- 1 handful of pecorino, gruyere, or other strong cheese
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potato: Slice the sweet potato in half, brush each half with olive oil, and place cut-side down on a baking tray. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 30–40 minutes until tender throughout. If roasting garlic, prepare it by slicing the bottom to expose cloves, wrapping in foil, and adding it to the oven alongside the sweet potato for up to 1 hour.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sweet Potato: Mash or puree the roasted sweet potato until smooth, creating a creamy texture to mix into the cheese sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Return the drained macaroni to the pan over very low heat. Stir in heavy cream, grated cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until the cheese melts and a smooth sauce forms. If using, add roasted garlic and truffle oil now.
- Combine Sweet Potato and Pasta: Mix the pureed sweet potato into the macaroni and cheese sauce. Adjust consistency by adding a little more cream if needed, and season the dish with salt and pepper to taste (avoid salt if serving young children under one year).
- Serve: Spoon the creamy sweet potato mac and cheese into bowls and enjoy warm. Optionally garnish with additional strong cheeses like pecorino or gruyere for added flavor.
Notes
- Roasting garlic takes longer than the sweet potato; plan to start it earlier or wrap it in foil and bake alongside the potato.
- You can mash the sweet potato with a fork or blend it for a smoother sauce, depending on your preference for texture.
- Adjust cream quantity depending on the moisture of the sweet potato and pasta shape to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- For a smokier flavor, increase the smoked paprika amount or add smoked cheese varieties.
- This dish can be customized with additional cheese varieties for richer flavor profiles.
- Salt should be adjusted based on dietary requirements and babies under one year should not consume added salt.
