Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is nothing short of magic when you’re craving comfort food with an irresistible twist. Imagine the creamy richness of classic mac and cheese, now elevated by the mellow sweetness of roasted garlic and bright green ribbons of Swiss chard woven throughout. This dish is impossibly cozy, deeply flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser that never fails to disappear fast! Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this gourmet pasta bake strikes a perfect balance between familiar and special, ticking all the boxes for cheese lovers and veggie enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be surprised just how easy it is to assemble the ingredients for Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese! Each component plays a starring role, from the buttery base and cream to the sharp cheeses and that unique shot of leafy green from the chard. Here’s how everything comes together to create your new favorite mac.
- Elbow macaroni (12 oz): Classic shape for collecting all that luscious cheese sauce, though any short pasta will work in a pinch.
- Garlic (1 head): Roasting mellows the garlic into a sweet, aromatic paste that forms the backbone of this dish’s flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): For roasting the garlic to golden, fragrant perfection.
- Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Helps create a rich roux and adds that indulgent buttery undertone to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Essential for thickening the cheese sauce without any lumps.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Provides the creamy base, keeping the sauce smooth and pleasingly rich.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Brings even more voluptuousness—this is what separates good mac from unforgettable!
- Sharp cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully into a classic, tangy cheese pull.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds extra savoriness and a little nutty complexity to the sauce.
- Swiss chard (1 small bunch): Fresh, earthy, and vibrant—the star green that sneaks in nutrition and gorgeous color.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Don’t forget this crucial seasoning step to bring the entire dish together.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp, optional): Just a pinch gives the sauce a subtle warmth—wonderful if you like a little background complexity.
- Breadcrumbs (1/3 cup, optional): If you love a crunchy top, toss these on for golden, buttery crispiness.
- Butter for breadcrumbs (1 tbsp, optional): Melting this with the breadcrumbs makes the best top crust—highly recommended!
How to Make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the very top off your head of garlic, exposing the cloves, and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap this in foil and let it roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until the garlic is tender, soft, and caramelized. Once cool, squeeze out those golden cloves and mash them into a fragrant paste. Roasted garlic is key to the deep flavor in this mac and cheese, so don’t rush this part!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your macaroni until just al dente. Drain promptly to stop the cooking—remember, the pasta will spend a little more time in the oven later, so don’t overdo it here. A slightly firm bite is perfect for holding up in the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Swiss Chard
While the pasta is cooking, grab a skillet and add a splash of oil or a dab of butter. Sauté the chopped Swiss chard leaves for 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re wilted and deep green. This gentle cooking tames the greens and brings out their mellow, sweet flavor without turning them soggy.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two to form your roux—the secret to a creamy, lump-free sauce! Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, usually around 5 minutes. Add the mashed roasted garlic, both cheeses, ground nutmeg if you’re using it, plus salt and pepper. Keep stirring until everything is melted into a velvety, decadent sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Coat
Add your drained pasta and sautéed Swiss chard into the sauce, folding gently so every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. This is the thrilling moment when Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese truly comes together—the vibrant greens swirl through the creamy, glistening cheese, hinting at all the flavor to come.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. If you’re a fan of crunchy toppings, now’s the time to melt 1 tablespoon of butter with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the surface. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle and meld.
How to Serve Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
For a final flourish, shower your mac and cheese with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a twist of cracked black pepper, or even a handful of chopped chives or parsley. These little pops of color and fresh flavor are a beautiful contrast to the dish’s savory richness.
Side Dishes
Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is decadent enough to be the main event, but it also shines alongside lighter sides. Try serving it with a bright, zippy salad—think arugula with a lemony vinaigrette—or roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts. The freshness cuts through the cheese and makes the whole meal feel balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
One of my favorite ways to wow guests is to scoop the mac and cheese into individual ramekins before baking, for adorable, personal-sized servings. Or, serve it family-style in a rustic casserole dish for a comforting, homey feel. Leftovers also make a quirky, irresistible grilled cheese sandwich filling!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool before transferring them into an airtight container. The Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese will keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches or stress-free dinners the second time around.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Assemble and cool the mac and cheese, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, consider freezing before baking—simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To reheat, place desired portions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. A splash of milk stirred in before reheating will revive the creaminess. The microwave works in a pinch, but be gentle and stir often for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different leafy green if Swiss chard isn’t available?
Absolutely! Kale or spinach make great substitutes for Swiss chard in this recipe. Both will give you that vibrant green color and fresh flavor—just adjust the cooking time as needed, since spinach wilts more quickly.
Is there a way to make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap your favorite gluten-free pasta for the macaroni and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the cheese sauce. Gluten-free breadcrumbs work beautifully for the topping as well.
Can Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese be made in advance?
Definitely. You can prepare the mac and cheese right up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I keep the cheese sauce from turning grainy?
The key is to add the cheese off the heat or over the lowest possible heat, stirring constantly to prevent overheating. Don’t let the sauce boil once the cheese goes in—this keeps it silky-smooth every time.
What’s the best way to boost the flavor even more?
Try adding a tiny pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for warmth, or toss in a handful of caramelized onions. You could even experiment with extra cheeses—Gruyère or fontina are fabulous additions for even more depth.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese, you’ll understand why it’s become a fast favorite in so many kitchens. Cozy, creative, and brimming with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and looks as good on a weeknight dinner table as it does at a holiday feast. I can’t wait for you to dig in and make it your own!
Print
Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this gourmet mac and cheese featuring roasted garlic, Swiss chard, and a blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Creamy, savory, and comforting, this dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or special gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 head garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and leaves chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp butter (for breadcrumbs, optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Garlic: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast garlic in foil until soft and golden. Mash into a paste.
- Cook Pasta and Chard: Cook pasta, sauté Swiss chard until wilted.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Create roux, add milk and cream, then stir in roasted garlic, cheeses, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Mix pasta and chard in sauce, transfer to baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Substitute kale or spinach for Swiss chard if needed.
- Roasted garlic enhances the cheese sauce’s flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
