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
Scale
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
