This Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is what happens when comfort food gets the gourmet treatment. Cozy, creamy, and bubbling with cheese, it folds in earthy Swiss chard and the deep sweetness of roasted garlic—taking classic mac and cheese miles above the ordinary. A crunchy topping of panko and Parmesan adds crave-worthy texture, making this a showstopper side or a truly satisfying main course. Whether you’re feeding a family or indulging solo, this is a dish that’s impossible not to fall hard for.

Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe brings something special, and nothing goes in unless it’s absolutely essential—trust me! From the dreamy melted cheeses to the vibrant Swiss chard and the rich roasted garlic, every element builds a mac and cheese that’s unforgettable in taste, texture, and color.

Elbow macaroni (8 ounces): The classic choice for soaking up all that cheesy sauce, but feel free to swap in your favorite shape.
Garlic (1 head): Roasted to caramelized perfection, giving the dish a soft, sweet, and aromatic backbone.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used for roasting the garlic—just enough to coax out its jammy richness.
Butter (2 tablespoons): The secret to a truly silky roux and a velvety sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Whisked with butter to thicken the sauce, so it clings to every bite.
Whole milk (2 cups): Provides creaminess and balances the punchy flavors—skip the skim here.
Sharp white cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded): Brings bold, tangy flavor and gooey meltiness.
Gruyère cheese (1 cup, shredded): Infuses the sauce with nutty, sophisticated notes.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A dash brings unexpected warmth and depth.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): The dynamic duo that brings everything into balance.
Swiss chard (2 cups, chopped, stems removed): Adds nutritional heft, color, and a tender bite.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Sprinkled on top for extra savoriness and a gorgeous golden finish.
Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For those priceless crisp bites on top of your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese.
Butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Melts into the breadcrumbs for maximum crunch and flavor.

How to Make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle it with olive oil, then wrap it up snug in foil. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the cloves are golden and so soft you can mash them with a fork. This step transforms raw garlic into pure, buttery flavor gold for your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

While the garlic is roasting, bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook your elbow macaroni (or whatever noodle you’re feeling today) until just al dente—it’ll cook a bit more once baked. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; you want that starch to help the sauce cling to every noodle.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes to form a smooth, bubbling roux. Now, gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. This is your chance to create that luscious sauce base that makes this Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese so velvety.

Step 4: Add Roasted Garlic and Seasonings

Once the garlic is cool enough to handle, squeeze every last clove into a small bowl and mash into a paste. Whisk it right into your cream sauce, then add in the nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. That roasted garlic is the signature flavor, so don’t miss a drop!

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the sharp white cheddar and Gruyère, letting them melt into the sauce until perfectly smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—the best part of homemade mac and cheese is making it just how you love it.

Step 6: Add Swiss Chard and Pasta

Fold in the chopped Swiss chard and your drained pasta, making sure everything is evenly coated with that dreamy sauce. The chard will wilt slightly, blending right in and bringing a beautiful leafy-green color to your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese.

Step 7: Assemble and Top

Pour everything into a greased baking dish and smooth the top. In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs and the grated Parmesan over the pasta for that gorgeous crunchy finish.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this makes it easier to slice and lets all the flavors settle in together.

How to Serve Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Add some extra color and flavor by topping your Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving. A dusting of cracked black pepper or a little more grated Parmesan never hurts, either! These little touches make each slice simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This creamy mac shines as a main, but it also plays beautifully with simple side salads, roasted Brussels sprouts, or crisp apple slaw. On colder days, serve alongside a warm tomato soup or garlicky sautéed mushrooms for a dreamy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the piping hot Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or serve it family-style in a big, rustic baking dish for a cozy, communal feel. Leftovers make incredible baked mac muffins, too—just portion into muffin tins, top with extra cheese, and bake until set!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the dish to room temperature, then cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers reheat beautifully and make for an unbeatable lunch the next day.

Freezing

Want to prep ahead? Assemble the mac and cheese (just skip the breadcrumb topping), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbly, covering with foil to keep it moist. If you’re short on time, the microwave also works—just add a splash of milk and cover loosely to revive that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other leafy greens instead of Swiss chard?

Absolutely! Spinach or kale work well in place of Swiss chard. Just be sure to chop and cook them until tender—you’ll still get that lovely green color and vegetable goodness in your mac and cheese.

Is it possible to make Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux. The result is every bit as creamy and comforting, with zero gluten worries.

What’s the best way to roast garlic ahead of time?

Roast the garlic as directed, let it cool, then squeeze out and store the cloves in a covered container in the fridge for up to a week. This makes it easy to whip up Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese or add mellow garlic flavor to other dishes on the fly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead for a party?

You bet! Assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to a day. When it’s party time, just add the topping and bake as usual—so you can wow your guests without last-minute stress.

What are some cheese swap suggestions?

Try swapping Gruyère with fontina or Monterey Jack for a different melty vibe, or add a touch of crumbled blue cheese for extra punch. Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese loves a creative cheese combo!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving a serious upgrade to your comfort food lineup, Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese delivers on every level. I hope you give it a try—and that each bite feels as cozy, satisfying, and joyfully cheesy as it does in my own kitchen!

Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors from roasted garlic and Swiss chard, this dish is a satisfying twist on the classic mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
1 head garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups chopped Swiss chard (stems removed)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
1 tablespoon butter (for topping)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roast the Garlic: Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thickened. Whisk in roasted garlic paste, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère until melted.
Combine Ingredients: Fold in Swiss chard and pasta. Pour into a baking dish.
Add Toppings: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over the top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.