Baked Butternut Mac and 'Cheese' with Crispy Sage Topping

This butternut baked mac n "cheese" is such a winning side dish to bring to your holiday party! Its super creamy, and the sage in the breading compliments the butternut in the sauce SO well.

[lt_recipe name="Baked Butternut Mac and 'Cheese' with Crispy Sage Topping" servings="8" total_time="1HR30M" difficulty="Medium" summary="Butternut squash and sage are such an iconic duo, why not add a classic like baked mac n cheese? This recipe is creamy, flavorful, and has this crispy sage topping that smells and tastes amazing!" print="yes" image="https://mindfulcooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/butternut-mac-n-cheese-1024x1024.jpg" ingredients="1 small butternut squash, peeled and chopped;1 onion, chopped;2 shallots, chopped;2 tablespoon olive oil;1 box small pasta, like elbows;3 cups vegetable stock;1 cup cashews, soaked in boiling water for 1 hr;1 cup water;½ teaspoon salt;1 cup panko bread crumbs;2 tablespoon vegan butter;5 sage leaves, chopped" ]1. Preheat the oven to 375F, then soak the cashews in boiling water for 30 minutes or longer.;2. Meanwhile. place the butternut. onions and shallots on a lined sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 15-20 minutes.;3. Then, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.;4. Place the roasted squash mixture in a blender with the plastic center piece removed. Add the three cups of stock, place a kitchen towel over top and blend until very smooth. Add this to the pasta.;5. Add the soaked cashews and the water to the blender, blend until very smooth. Add to the pasta with the salt and stir. Place in an oven safe casserole dish.;6. Place the panko, butter and chopped sage into a bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, or until butter is melted. Stir, then sprinkle on top of the pasta.;7. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, just until the topping is golden brown and crispy.[/lt_recipe]