If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, vibrant twist on a classic, the Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish takes the creamy, cheesy goodness you love in mac and cheese and infuses it with the deep, mellow flavor of roasted garlic and the fresh, earthy brightness of sautéed Swiss chard. It’s like the ultimate cozy hug on a plate—rich, silky, and just bursting with flavor that feels both indulgent and wholesome. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a go-to comfort food that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients that are easy to find yet essential for crafting that perfect balance of creaminess, freshness, and flavor depth. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s creating the luscious cheese sauce or adding the subtle but unmistakable notes that make this dish stand out.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape): The classic base that holds all that cheesy goodness beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for roasting garlic and sautéing Swiss chard, adding a rich, fruity undertone.
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled: Roasted to perfection for a caramelized, mellow sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped: Adds a nutritious, slightly earthy green element that brightens up the creamy mac and cheese.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The key to a silky, smooth roux that forms the base of the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: Brings richness and smooth texture to the cheesy sauce.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides bold, tangy flavor and that irresistible melty texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): A subtle warm note that complements the cheese beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick if you like a hint of heat.
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet and drizzle them with olive oil. Pop them into the oven to roast for 15-20 minutes until they’re tender, golden, and caramelized. Roasting garlic transforms its sharp bite into something silky-sweet and mellow, which is a game-changer for this recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the garlic roasts, get your macaroni boiling. Cook according to the package instructions until nice and tender but still with a bit of bite (al dente). Drain it well and set it aside—this is your perfect canvas for the cheesy sauce to coat.
Step 3: Sauté the Swiss Chard
Heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Toss in the chopped Swiss chard and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it’s just wilted and glossy. This step softens the greens while preserving their vibrant color and fresh flavor. Once done, remove it from the heat and set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking it for one to two minutes to cook off the raw taste—this base thickens the sauce and gives it body. Then slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to keep lumps at bay. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and just starts to bubble, about five minutes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Roasted Garlic
Lower the heat and stir in both the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted fully and the sauce is delectable and smooth. Now, add the roasted garlic—squeeze the cloves from their skins right into the sauce and mix well. Finish off by seasoning with salt, pepper, optional nutmeg, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for balance and warmth.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Fold the drained pasta and sautéed Swiss chard into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is wonderfully coated. The creamy, garlicky sauce clings to the pasta and greens, creating a harmonious, flavorful bite every time.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Dish it out immediately for the best gooey, cheesy experience. This dish is truly at its prime served fresh and hot.
How to Serve Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe, sprinkle fresh parsley or chopped chives on top. These simple garnishes add a burst of fresh color and a subtle herbal note that beautifully contrasts the richness of the cheese sauce.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a light, tangy coleslaw. The freshness of these sides balances the creamy, decadent flavors and makes for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual ramekins and topping with a crunchy breadcrumb crust baked until golden. You could also mix in some toasted nuts or swirl in a spoonful of spicy tomato chutney to surprise your palate. The Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe invites creativity, so don’t hesitate to make it your own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of the Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers just as delicious, if not more.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese for up to a month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that texture may slightly change but the flavors will hold strong.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring as it can cause the sauce to separate. Stirring frequently while warming will bring back that luscious, smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of Swiss chard?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or even collard greens work beautifully and bring their unique flavors while maintaining the nutritional boost alongside the creamy cheese sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of the Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe, swap dairy cheeses for plant-based alternatives, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and replace butter with olive oil or vegan margarine. Nutritional yeast also lends a cheesy flavor.
Is roasted garlic necessary?
Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds sweet, caramelized notes that elevate the dish. While you can use raw garlic, the flavor and smoothness won’t be quite the same.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the roux. Just make sure all cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
What type of cheese works best for making the sauce?
Sharp cheddar offers robust flavor and excellent melting quality, while Parmesan adds extra depth. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for unique twists.
Final Thoughts
This Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe is a warm invitation to elevate your comfort food game with fresh, hearty ingredients that make every bite satisfying and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, this dish offers a perfect harmony of cheesy indulgence and garden-fresh goodness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy mac and cheese forever.
Print
Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic mac and cheese, featuring the rich flavors of caramelized roasted garlic and fresh sautéed Swiss chard. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a smooth cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced with subtle spices for an elevated and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Roast Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until the garlic is soft, caramelized, and fragrant. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Pasta: While the garlic roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Swiss Chard: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped Swiss chard and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until wilted but still vibrant. Remove from heat and set aside with the cooked pasta.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Roasted Garlic: Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and add them to the thickened sauce. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, ground nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and sautéed Swiss chard to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and distribute the vegetables.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if using, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute pasta with gluten-free macaroni and use gluten-free flour for the roux.
- Whole milk creates a richer sauce, but you can use 2% milk for a lighter version.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes gives a subtle spicy kick; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
