Table of Contents
Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese gained TikTok fame for its creamy squash-cheddar blend, with fans praising its ease and taste. The article covers cooking methods like oven or microwave, a full homemade copycat recipe, pro tips for creaminess, nutrition comparisons showing its healthier edge, and pairings with sides, proteins, and drinks.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Why did Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese go viral on TikTok? | It went viral due to Natalie Ludwig's review video that got 105.9K likes for its creamy texture and addictive flavor. |
How do you cook Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese in the oven? | Preheat oven to 375F, peel back the film, bake 25-30 mins until golden and bubbly, then rest 2-3 mins. |
What makes the homemade copycat recipe similar to Trader Joe's version? | The copycat uses butternut squash puree, sharp cheddar, roux-based sauce, elbow pasta, and panko topping baked at 375F. |
Is Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese healthier than classic versions? | Yes, it has lower calories at 350-400, added fiber and vitamin A from squash, compared to 500-600 in classic homemade. |
What are good pairings for Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese? | Pair it with arugula salad, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or Chardonnay for balanced meals. |
Discover why Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese went viral on TikTok.
Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese with butternut squash hit big on TikTok.
Fans love its creamy texture from the squash puree.
Natalie Ludwig at @eatsbynat posted a review video.
That clip got 105.9K likes and 465 comments.
Users call it addictive and easy for quick meals.
The Unique Flavor Twist
Squash adds subtle sweetness to the cheddar sauce.
It blends smooth without overpowering cheese taste.
This sets Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese apart from plain versions.
- Creamy cheddar sauce mixed with butternut squash puree
- Elbow pasta holds sauce well
- Buttery crumb topping for crunch
Why Fans Rave
Convenience wins big.
Ready in mins from frozen.
Healthier vibe too with vitamin A and fiber from squash.
Lower cals than classic mac and cheese.
Videos spread fast in 2023 but still trend in 2025.
Foodies share hacks and upgrades online.
Check best mac and cheese recipe for homemade inspo.
Learn easy steps to cook the pre-packaged Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese.
Grab Trader Joe's Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese from the frozen aisle.
It comes ready in a tray with elbow pasta cheese sauce and crumb topping.
Oven Method Best for Texture
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Peel back film on tray do not remove it fully.
- Bake 25-30 mins till top turns golden bubbly.
- Rest 2-3 mins before digging in.
Microwave Quick Option
- Pierce film several times.
- Microwave high 4-5 mins stir halfway.
- Stand 1 min lets steam settle.
Nutrition Per Serving Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese
Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
Calories | 350-400 |
Fat | 18-22g |
Carbs | 35-40g |
Protein | 12-15g |
Sodium | 600-700mg |
Fiber | 2-3g |
Squash boosts vitamin A fiber keeps it healthier than basic mac.
Pair with best creamy mac and cheese recipe ideas for upgrades.
Try this homemade copycat Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese recipe.
This copycat nails Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese creamy squash vibe.
Serves 4-6.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 2 cups butternut squash puree fresh or store bought
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk or 2%
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water al dente drain set aside.
- Melt butter med heat add flour whisk 1-2 mins roux.
- Whisk in milk squash puree cook 3-4 mins thickens.
- Low heat stir in cheddar Dijon garlic paprika salt pepper till melted.
- Fold in pasta transfer to greased dish.
- Mix panko Parmesan sprinkle top.
- Bake 375F 20-25 mins golden bubbly.
- Cool 5 mins serve.
Upgrades
- Add cooked bacon chicken mushrooms protein boost
- Mix in spinach broccoli onions veggies
- Red pepper flakes hot sauce spicy
- 2 oz cream cheese extra creamy
Try best stovetop mac and cheese for no bake version.
Master cooking tips for the creamiest Trader Joe's inspired mac and cheese.
Shred your own sharp cheddar for Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese copycat.
Pre-shredded has agents blocks smooth melt.
Cheese Choices
- Sharp cheddar bold flavor base
- Mix Gruyere fontina Monterey Jack extra cream
- 2 oz cream cheese stirs in silky
Sauce Consistency
Build roux butter flour whisk 2 mins kills raw taste.
Or cornstarch slurry lighter thickens fast 1 tbsp cornst 2 tbsp water.
Pasta Tricks
- Undercook 1-2 mins al dente oven finishes it
- Skip rinse sauce clings better
Baking Crunch
Broil 1-2 mins end golden crust.
One pot skip bake add cream cheese creamy no oven.
Storage Make Ahead
- Fridge 3 days airtight reheat milk splash
- Freeze 2 months thaw fridge first
Avoid overcook pasta mushy skip roux watery sauce.
Taste sauce adjust salt pepper spices Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese style.
Find perfect pairings and nutrition info for Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese.
Nutrition Comparison Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese
Metric | Trader Joe's Squash | Homemade Squash | Classic Homemade |
|---|---|---|---|
Calories | 350-400 | 400-450 | 500-600 |
Fat | 18-22g | 20-25g | 25-30g |
Carbs | 35-40g | 40-45g | 50-60g |
Protein | 12-15g | 15-18g | 20-25g |
Fiber | 2-3g | 3-4g | 1-2g |
Sodium | 600-700mg | 500-600mg | 800-1000mg |
Squash adds vitamin A fiber Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese healthier pick.
Side Dishes
- Arugula salad lemon vinaigrette cuts richness
- Coleslaw crisp contrast
- Roasted Brussels sprouts broccoli green beans
- Garlic bread cornbread Southern style
Protein Pairings
- Grilled chicken pulled pork bacon
- Shrimp lobster luxury
- Black beans chickpeas tofu veggie option
Beverage Pairings
- Chardonnay Pinot Noir wine
- IPA amber ale beer
- Sparkling water lemon iced tea non alc