If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy dish that feels both indulgent and a little bit fresh, you are going to love this Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe. This delightful twist on classic mac and cheese brings tender Swiss chard and sweet, caramelized roasted garlic together in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that hugs every bite of perfectly cooked macaroni. It’s a brilliant way to sneak some greens into your comfort food, with layers of flavor and comforting textures that will quickly make this dish a new favorite in your weeknight rotation or special dinner lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple and straightforward is the key here. Each ingredient is chosen to contribute not just flavor but texture and beautiful color that make this mac and cheese pop on your plate.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice that holds sauce beautifully, but feel free to swap for your favorite shape.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps roast the garlic to caramelized perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled: Roasting softens the garlic, turning it sweet and mellow to lift the whole dish.
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped: Provides a fresh, vibrant green bite with a mild, slightly earthy flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The base for a luscious roux to thicken your cheese sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create the roux that gives the sauce its creamy texture.
- 2 cups whole milk: Offers creaminess and balances the strong cheeses without weighing the dish down.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star cheese that brings that quintessential tang and gooeyness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth and sharp finish to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): A tiny hint of warmth that elevates the cheese sauce beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just a whisper of heat to counterbalance the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful burst to brighten up each serving.
How to Make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your peeled garlic cloves on a baking sheet, drizzle them with the olive oil, and pop them into the oven. Roast for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re soft, golden, and irresistibly fragrant. This step transforms the sharp raw garlic into sweet, mellow bites of flavor that will enrich your cheese sauce tremendously.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
While the garlic is roasting, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente—that perfect slight bite. Drain it well and set it aside. This ensures your pasta is ready to soak up all that delicious sauce in later steps.
Step 3: Sauté the Swiss Chard
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped Swiss chard and sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until it wilts and softens but still retains that vibrant green color. This quick sauté brings out the chard’s natural earthiness without overpowering the dish.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in your flour. Let this mixture cook for a minute or two to form a roux, which is the secret to a perfectly thickened sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Keep whisking as the mixture heats and thickens—this usually takes about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to gently bubble and coat the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Roasted Garlic
Now for the good stuff: stir in your shredded sharp cheddar, grated Parmesan, and the roasted garlic cloves—squeeze those cloves straight out of their skins into the sauce for a mellow garlic burst. Stir everything until it melts into a smooth, creamy, cheesy sauce. Finish with salt, pepper, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Swiss Chard with Cheese Sauce
Finally, fold the cooked elbow macaroni and sautéed Swiss chard into your rich cheese sauce. Give everything a good stir so every piece of pasta is generously coated with that luscious, garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Dish it out while it’s warm and melty, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top. The fresh herbs add just the right pop of green and brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives work wonders here. They bring a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness, also adding a lovely splash of vibrant color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese stands wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with something crisp like a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or roasted vegetables can add variety in texture and make for a balanced meal. Consider simple roasted carrots or a zesty cucumber salad to brighten the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress a crowd or just switch things up, try serving this Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust, then broiled for a few minutes to golden perfection. It’s a stunning presentation that adds a satisfying crunch and makes every serving feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the mac and cheese creamy and flavorful when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers if needed—just be sure to cool the mac and cheese completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce and heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This helps restore that fresh-from-the-oven creaminess and prevents the cheese from drying out or becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other greens besides Swiss chard?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or even beet greens can be great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since some greens wilt faster than others.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, with some adjustments. You can replace the dairy milk with a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, and use vegan butter and cheese alternatives. Roasted garlic and Swiss chard still add wonderful flavor.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Roasting the garlic and sautéing the Swiss chard can be done a day in advance. You can also make the cheese sauce earlier and gently rewarm it with a bit of milk before combining with pasta.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp cheddar is ideal here for its robust flavor that cuts through the creaminess. You can experiment with white or yellow cheddar depending on your preference.
How spicy does this recipe get with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add only a subtle warmth unless you add more. They’re perfect for balancing the richness without overpowering the overall taste.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s comfort food at its finest with a fresh, nourishing twist that makes every mouthful exciting. I hope it becomes a beloved part of your cooking repertoire, bringing cozy, delicious vibes to your table whenever you need a little extra cheer.
Print
Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting mac and cheese featuring tender Swiss chard and rich roasted garlic for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. This dish combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, enhanced by subtle hints of nutmeg and red pepper flakes, creating a delicious, hearty meal ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape)
Roasted Garlic
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables
- 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, drizzle them with olive oil, and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Cook Pasta: While the garlic roasts, bring a 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: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped Swiss chard and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the leaves are wilted and tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Garlic: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into the sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes if using, to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and sautéed Swiss chard to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and incorporate the greens.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Roasting the garlic mellows its flavor and adds a sweet depth to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute Swiss chard with spinach or kale if preferred.
- Adjust the seasoning with nutmeg and red pepper flakes according to taste for subtle warmth or heat.
- For a lighter version, you may use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter and cheese.
- This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
