Get ready to meet your newest comfort food obsession: Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese! This creamy, dreamy dish is what happens when classic cheesy noodles get a gourmet upgrade, thanks to the sweet depth of roasted garlic and the earthy pop of fresh Swiss chard. Every bite is velvety, rich, and deeply satisfying, with bursts of fresh greens that make you feel just a little bit virtuous. Trust me, this is the kind of mac and cheese you’ll want to make again and again—whether for a cozy family dinner or a special potluck gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is that the ingredient list is mostly pantry staples, but each one brings something absolutely essential to the table. The cheeses melt into a silky sauce, while the chard adds color and nutrients, and the roasted garlic brings that unrivaled mellow intensity. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need, with a little note on how each ingredient makes this dish shine.
- Garlic: Roasting a whole head softens its bite and delivers a caramel-like sweetness you simply can’t replicate.
- Olive oil: Drizzled over the garlic for roasting, this adds depth and richness.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape holds onto all that luscious cheese sauce in every single curve.
- Butter: Melted with flour, it forms the creamy roux that’s the foundation of any great mac and cheese.
- All-purpose flour: Just a touch helps thicken the sauce to perfectly coat each noodle.
- Whole milk: Brings the sauce together with just the right balance of creaminess.
- Heavy cream: For extra indulgence, this makes your cheese sauce impossibly smooth.
- Dijon mustard: Don’t skip it! The subtle tang brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
- Salt: Seasoning the cheese sauce is key to unlocking all those savory flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that dances through each bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds surprising coziness that totally completes the dish.
- Swiss chard (stems removed, leaves chopped): This beautiful leafy green wilts into the sauce, adding color, texture, and nutritional goodness.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded): Gives your mac that signature melt and a punch of bold cheese flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a nutty, salty note and melts smoothly into the cheese sauce.
- Breadcrumbs (optional for topping): For a crispy, golden finish, toss these on top before baking.
How to Make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Roasting the garlic is where the magic begins for any Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese. Simply slice the top off a head of garlic, drizzle it generously with olive oil, wrap it snugly in foil, and roast it at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes. Once it’s soft and golden, give it a moment to cool, then gently squeeze the softened cloves out of their skins and mash them into a delectable paste. This paste will infuse the cheese sauce with an incredible sweet-savory flavor that takes this mac to the next level.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your garlic is roasting away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Be sure not to overcook—the pasta will finish baking in the oven and you don’t want it mushy! Drain and set aside, so it’s ready to meet that bubbling cheese sauce in a bit.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce
This is where the true heart and soul of Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese comes together. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly for a minute to form a blond roux—this will build that creamy, clinging texture we all love. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking non-stop to banish any lumps, and cook until the sauce is thickened and silky (about 5-7 minutes). Now the magic touch: Stir in your mashed roasted garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Add Swiss Chard
Toss those vibrant chopped Swiss chard leaves right into the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until they’ve wilted down and turned a glorious emerald green. The chard folds right into the cheese sauce, providing flecks of earthy flavor and an eye-catching burst of color throughout your mac and cheese.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low so nothing scorches, then stir in the shredded sharp white cheddar and grated Parmesan. As they melt seamlessly into the sauce, you’ll see that signature creaminess emerge—thick, stretchy, and full of cheesy character. Taste and adjust seasonings as you go, because every batch should match your version of perfection!
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Pour your cooked macaroni right into the cheese-and-chard mixture, stirring gently until every nook and cranny is irresistibly coated. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, then scatter breadcrumbs across the top if you’re in the mood for a golden, crunchy topping. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and gloriously browned on top. Now, just try to resist digging in the instant it comes out of the oven!
How to Serve Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a dusting of extra Parmesan totally elevates your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese. Try a tiny drizzle of good olive oil for a final flourish. These finishing touches not only look beautiful but also add another layer of freshness and flavor to every forkful.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese is a total star on its own, but it plays especially well alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, roasted veggies, or classic garlic bread. Pair it with a zippy tomato salad or some simple steamed broccoli to balance the richness and round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or potlucks, serve Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins or small cocottes—everyone loves their own personal bubbling dish. Or, scoop it onto a platter family-style and top with crunchy fried onions for a fun twist. You can even stuff it into hollowed-out roasted squash halves for a truly dramatic presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its creamy texture or that dreamy garlic flavor.
Freezing
To freeze, portion your cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. For best results, avoid freezing with the breadcrumb topping—add fresh breadcrumbs before reheating for that golden crunch.
Reheating
Reheating is simple! Warm individual portions in the microwave or pop larger portions into a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through. Splash in a tablespoon or two of milk or cream before reheating to help revive the sauce’s creaminess and keep that indulgent texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of Swiss chard?
Absolutely! If you can’t find Swiss chard, baby spinach or kale makes a great substitute. Simply chop and wilt them into the sauce as you would the chard—just keep in mind kale will need a little extra cooking time to soften.
What’s the best cheese blend for this dish?
Sharp white cheddar is the star for its melty texture and bold taste, but you can swap in Gruyère, fontina, or even a touch of smoked gouda for added dimension. Always keep a little Parmesan in the mix for its nutty, salty kick!
Does this work with gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce. Just be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can get soft quickly.
Can I prep this in advance?
Definitely. Assemble the mac and cheese right up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to bake, add the breadcrumbs and pop it straight into the oven—just add a few minutes to the baking time to heat through.
What are some fun mix-ins?
For variety, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers into your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese. You can also toss in cooked, crumbled sausage or some spicy pickled jalapeños for a little zing if your crew isn’t strictly vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is the sort of comfort food that’s easy to crave but even more rewarding to make from scratch. With its cozy, thoughtfully layered flavors and gorgeous bursts of green, it’ll soon become a treasured favorite at your table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to recipe for family meals, holiday gatherings, or any night in need of a little extra comfort.
Print
Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome greens, this baked pasta dish is a satisfying meal that will please the whole family.
Ingredients
Roasted Garlic Paste:
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Mac and Cheese:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 bunch Swiss chard (stems removed and leaves chopped)
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off the head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes until soft.
- Cook the Macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in roasted garlic paste, mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add Swiss chard and cook until wilted.
- Combine and Bake: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, add cooked pasta, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
Notes
- You can substitute kale or spinach for Swiss chard if desired.
- For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
