Description
Discover a creamy, flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese with this Sweet Potato Mac + Cheese recipe. Combining the natural sweetness and nutrition of mashed sweet potatoes with sharp cheddar and a velvety Greek yogurt-infused cheese sauce, this stovetop dish is both comforting and veggie-packed. Ready in just over 20 minutes, it’s a perfect main or side dish for any American-inspired meal and offers a nutritious, vegetarian-friendly option that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces small shaped pasta (elbows recommended)
Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or ½ teaspoon minced fresh thyme leaves
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- ½ cup milk (2% recommended)
- ½ cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or full-fat for richer flavor)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Place the empty pot back over medium heat. Add butter, minced garlic, and thyme, stirring frequently until the garlic is lightly toasted, about 1 minute, to release flavors.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture, stirring continuously, and cook for 30 seconds to eliminate the raw flour taste and start thickening process.
- Add Liquids and Sweet Potato: Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, then stir in the mashed sweet potato, Greek yogurt, and shredded cheddar cheese, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Thicken Sauce: Maintain low heat and stir the sauce until it thickens and bubbles gently, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring smooth consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the pot and stir thoroughly to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve Immediately: This mac and cheese is best enjoyed right away. If the sauce thickens too much upon standing, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.
Notes
- To quickly cook sweet potatoes, prick them with a fork and microwave for about 5 minutes per side until tender, or use leftover cooked sweet potato.
- Sweet potatoes can also be prepared ahead using an oven, slow cooker, or instant pot; store cooled sweet potato in the fridge.
- Any pasta variety works—whole wheat, gluten-free, or bean-based can be used to suit dietary preferences.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted with cream cheese or sour cream for a different creamy texture and flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Gouda to customize flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
