Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese

Let’s get real: mac and cheese is already legendary. But when you add roasted garlic and Swiss chard to the mix? You’re taking things to a whole new level. This Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is everything you love about the classic—melty, gooey, cheesy comfort—but with a rich depth from slow-roasted garlic and a nutrient-packed green that makes you feel just a little virtuous with every bite.

It’s cozy food with a grown-up twist—sophisticated enough for a dinner party, but still the ultimate comfort on a rainy Tuesday. Trust me, once you try roasted garlic in your mac, there’s no going back.

Why You’ll Love Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese

Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade: It’s creamy and dreamy, but the roasted garlic and Swiss chard give it that extra layer of complexity.

Veggie-Packed and Balanced: It’s mac and cheese, but with leafy greens for a boost of fiber and nutrients—your future self says thanks.

Flavor Explosion: Roasted garlic is mellow, sweet, and rich—it blends into the cheese sauce like magic.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Perfect for busy days or dinner parties.

Totally Customizable: Try different cheeses, toss in extra veggies, or add a crunchy topping—this one’s easy to make your own.

Ingredients in Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Pasta

Choose your favorite short pasta—elbow macaroni, cavatappi, shells, or rotini. You want something that holds onto all that cheesy sauce.

Swiss Chard

This leafy green adds texture and earthiness. Use both the leaves and the tender parts of the stems for max flavor and minimal waste.

Roasted Garlic

Roast a whole head until golden and buttery soft. The flavor is rich, mellow, and brings serious depth to the sauce.

Butter and Flour

The base of your roux (fancy word for the sauce’s foundation). This thickens the cheese sauce and gives it that classic creamy texture.

Milk or Cream

Go for whole milk or even half-and-half for ultra creaminess. Plant-based milk works too, just make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored.

Cheese

Sharp cheddar is a must, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, gruyère, or fontina for a melty, rich blend.

Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg

Simple seasonings that bring warmth and balance. Nutmeg is subtle but makes the cheese sauce sing.

Optional Topping

Breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or even crushed crackers for a crispy, golden finish if you’re baking it.

Instructions

Roast the Garlic

Slice off the top of a garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the cloves and mash into a paste.

Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside—don’t overcook, since it’ll bake later.

Sauté the Swiss Chard

In a large skillet, sauté chopped Swiss chard in olive oil or butter until wilted and tender. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for a minute, then gradually whisk in the milk. Simmer until thickened, then stir in mashed roasted garlic, cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.

Combine and Assemble

In a large bowl or casserole dish, mix together pasta, sautéed chard, and cheese sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Bake (Optional)

Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 430mg
Total Carbohydrates: 39g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 17g

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on cheese and milk used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese

With a Crisp Salad: Pair it with a tangy green salad to cut through the richness—bonus points for a lemon vinaigrette.

As a Side Dish: It’s great next to roast chicken, grilled sausage, or baked tofu.

All On Its Own: No shame here. This dish is the main event.

Topped with Crunchy Breadcrumbs: Add a little texture with a sprinkle of buttery panko or crushed Ritz crackers before baking.

As Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you’ll love it just as much the next day.

Additional Tips

Don’t Skip the Garlic Roast: It’s a game-changer. If you’re short on time, roast a few cloves in a toaster oven or air fryer.

Use a Blend of Cheeses: Mix it up! Sharp cheddar for bite, gruyère for richness, and mozzarella for melt.

Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or white beans to make it extra hearty.

Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make it celiac-friendly.

Make It Vegan: Sub in plant-based butter, milk, cheese, and skip the roux—just blend roasted garlic into a cashew or potato-based sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
A1: Yes! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.

Q2: Can I freeze it?
A2: Absolutely. Cool completely, then freeze in portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm and creamy.

Q3: What kind of cheese works best?
A3: Sharp cheddar is a great base, but try mixing in gouda, fontina, or havarti for extra richness and meltiness.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Q5: Can I use other greens besides Swiss chard?
A5: Yes! Kale, spinach, or even beet greens work well—just sauté and drain any excess moisture first.

Q6: What pasta shape is best?
A6: Choose something short and sturdy that holds sauce—elbows, cavatappi, penne, or shells are great options.

Q7: Is there a non-dairy version?
A7: Totally! Use plant-based milk, vegan cheese, and a butter substitute for a dairy-free alternative.

Q8: How do I make it extra crispy on top?
A8: Add a mixture of breadcrumbs and a bit of melted butter to the top before baking. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for max crisp.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables?
A9: Definitely! Mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted broccoli would be delicious additions.

Q10: Is roasted garlic super strong?
A10: Not at all! Roasting garlic mellows it out, giving it a sweet, nutty flavor that blends beautifully into the cheese sauce.

Conclusion

This Swiss Chard and Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese is the perfect blend of indulgence and nourishment. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with bold flavor—but also sneakily filled with greens and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re feeding the family or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish delivers big-time. So light the oven, grab your garlic, and get ready to fall in love with mac and cheese all over again—with a delicious twist.

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