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This gourmet twist on traditional mac and cheese combines creamy Gruyère cheese, aromatic roasted garlic, and lemony sautéed Swiss chard. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, it offers a perfect blend of comfort and elegance.
– 1 head garlic
– 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 16 oz elbow pasta
– 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided
– 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and chopped
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 2 teaspoons lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
– 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2½ cups whole milk
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Freshly ground nutmeg, to taste
– 1 teaspoon dry mustard
– ½ teaspoon paprika
– 2½ cups Gruyère cheese, grated
– ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
1. **Roast the Garlic:** Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes until soft and golden. Cool slightly, squeeze out the cloves, mash, and reserve.
2. **Cook the Pasta:** Cook elbow pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and return to the pot. Toss with 1 teaspoon olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
3. **Sauté the Swiss Chard:** In a skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add half of the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add chopped Swiss chard and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve.
4. **Prepare the Cheese Sauce:** In the same skillet, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook until bubbly and golden. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low and stir constantly for 8–10 minutes until thickened. Stir in heavy cream, mashed roasted garlic, dry mustard, paprika, nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thick and creamy.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Add cooked pasta, Swiss chard mixture, and grated Gruyère cheese to the sauce. Stir until well combined. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
6. **Assemble and Bake:** Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the dish. In a bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and melted butter. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Garnish with chopped chives before serving.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. You can also add protein, like sausage or chicken, or substitute the Swiss chard for kale, spinach, or shaved Brussels sprouts. Adjust cheese types to your preference, such as using part or all Parmesan or cheddar.