Creamy Swiss Chard & Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese has long been a staple in comfort food cuisine, known for its creamy texture and cheesy decadence. But if you’re looking to elevate this classic dish with a gourmet twist, Swiss chard and roasted garlic mac and cheese is the answer. This recipe blends robust greens and savory roasted garlic into a rich cheese sauce, resulting in a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a main course or a standout side.

Not only does this dish bring together the bold flavor of roasted garlic and the earthy depth of Swiss chard, but it also allows for incredible customization. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday meal or a cozy weeknight dinner, this version of mac and cheese offers both comfort and sophistication. You can even explore similar ideas like Bon Appétit’s chard-filled variation to broaden your inspiration, or compare with a creamy roasted garlic version for different techniques.

Swiss Chard And Roasted Garlic Mac And Cheese (1) — Baked mac and cheese with Swiss chard and roasted garlic in a casserole dish

Ingredients Overview

To make this dish shine, you’ll need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Swiss chard, washed and chopped
Garlic bulbs, whole
Elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Butter and flour for the roux
Whole milk and heavy cream
A blend of cheeses: cheddar, Gruyère, and parmesan
Salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mustard powder
Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Why Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic?

Swiss chard is a nutrient-rich green with a subtle bitterness that balances the creamy cheese.
Roasted garlic adds a mellow, sweet-savory depth that pairs beautifully with dairy.

These ingredients not only enhance flavor but also add texture and health value, making the dish more well-rounded.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Roast the Garlic

Slice the tops off whole garlic bulbs.
Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 40 minutes until soft and golden.
Squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and mash them into a paste.

Swiss Chard And Roasted Garlic Mac And Cheese (2) — Swiss Chard And Roasted Garlic Mac And Cheese

2. Prep the Swiss Chard

Rinse thoroughly and chop into ribbons.
Sauté in a bit of olive oil or butter until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the Pasta

Boil in salted water until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
Slowly add milk and cream while whisking until thickened.
Stir in roasted garlic paste.
Add shredded cheese, season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and mustard powder.
Mix until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine and Bake

Mix cooked pasta, sautéed Swiss chard, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
Transfer to a buttered baking dish.
Top with more cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Variations and Substitutions

Greens: Swap Swiss chard with spinach, kale, or collard greens.
Cheese: Try Gouda, mozzarella, or fontina for different flavors.
Protein: Add in cooked chicken, bacon, or crumbled sausage.
Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese, nut milk, and vegan butter.
Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Swiss Chard And Roasted Garlic Mac And Cheese (3) — Swiss Chard And Roasted Garlic Mac And Cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a hearty main course with a fresh green salad.
Pair it as a side dish with roasted meats or holiday entrees.
Portion into ramekins for elegant single servings.

Looking for more creative green-and-cheese combos? The Guardian’s four-cheese greens lasagna is a great reference for layering flavors with leafy vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk, or in the oven covered with foil.
Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: ~450–600
Protein: 15–20g
Carbohydrates: 35–50g
Fats: 25–35g

To make it lighter, reduce the amount of cream or cheese, or opt for low-fat dairy alternatives.

FAQs

Is Swiss cheese good for mac and cheese?
Yes, Swiss cheese can be a great addition to mac and cheese. It melts well and adds a slightly nutty, mild flavor that complements sharper cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère. However, it’s best used in combination with other cheeses rather than as the only cheese in the sauce.

What cheese should you not put in mac and cheese?
Avoid cheeses that don’t melt smoothly or that become greasy when heated. These include:

Feta (crumbly, doesn’t melt well)
Blue cheese (overpowering flavor unless used sparingly)
Paneer or halloumi (retain shape, don’t melt)
Pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents (can clump and not melt evenly)

What are the three best cheeses for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar: Classic, bold flavor and good melt
Gruyère: Smooth, creamy, slightly nutty
Fontina or mozzarella: For stretch and silkiness

What can I add to mac and cheese to make it tastier?
To boost flavor, try:

Roasted garlic or caramelized onions
Crispy bacon or pancetta
Hot sauce, Dijon mustard, or smoked paprika
Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
Sautéed greens like Swiss chard or spinach

Does Swiss cheese melt like cheddar?
Not exactly. While Swiss cheese melts well, it becomes gooier and stretchier, whereas cheddar melts into a smoother, creamier consistency. Combining the two can give you the best of both textures.

What is the best pair for mac and cheese?

Roast chicken or grilled steak
Barbecue meats like ribs or pulled pork
Green salads with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or broccoli

What is the trick to keeping mac and cheese creamy?

Use a roux-based cheese sauce with enough fat (milk, cream, butter)
Don’t overbake
Add a bit of reserved pasta water or milk before reheating
Use cheeses that melt smoothly, like cheddar and Gruyère

What president made mac and cheese?
Thomas Jefferson is credited with popularizing mac and cheese in the United States after discovering it in Europe. He served it at a White House dinner in 1802.

What does S MAC stand for?
S’MAC stands for Sarita’s Mac and Cheese, a restaurant in New York City specializing in gourmet mac and cheese dishes.

What is Swiss cheese in slang?
In slang, “Swiss cheese” often refers to something full of holes or flaws—like “his argument was full of holes, like Swiss cheese.”

What cheese melts the creamiest?

Fontina
Havarti
Gruyère
American cheese (processed but extremely creamy)
These cheeses have excellent melting properties, making sauces smooth and velvety.

Can dogs eat Swiss cheese?
In moderation, Swiss cheese is generally safe for dogs since it’s low in lactose. However, it should only be an occasional treat, as too much dairy can cause digestive issues. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods.

Conclusion

Swiss chard and roasted garlic mac and cheese is more than just a twist on a classic—it’s a rich, elevated dish that merges nutrition with indulgence. The sharp, earthy notes of Swiss chard balance perfectly with the creamy, savory depth of roasted garlic and melted cheese, creating a layered flavor profile that’s both satisfying and unexpected. It brings comfort food into a new realm—one that honors tradition while offering a gourmet experience.

What makes this version of mac and cheese so appealing is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences or what you have in the fridge. Whether you swap in kale, use gluten-free pasta, or turn it into a vegan meal with plant-based cheeses and milk, the base concept still delivers warmth and comfort. And it’s not just for weeknights—this dish is elegant enough to serve during the holidays or at dinner parties, where it’s guaranteed to stand out on the table.

With minimal effort, you can prepare it ahead of time and simply bake when needed, making it ideal for busy schedules or planned gatherings. The leftovers are just as tasty, if not better, and reheating is easy with a bit of added moisture.

In a world full of mac and cheese variations, this one stands out by combining rustic, garden-fresh ingredients with rich, savory depth. Whether you’re a fan of leafy greens, a garlic lover, or just a comfort food enthusiast, Swiss chard and roasted garlic mac and cheese is a must-try.