Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and flavorful Double Dutch Mac Cheese with Chard. This recipe puts a gourmet twist on classic macaroni and cheese by blending sharp cheddar, smoky Gouda, and nutty Parmesan for a rich and velvety sauce. The addition of sautéed Swiss chard not only delivers a nutrient-packed boost but also adds a subtle earthiness that perfectly balances the creamy, cheesy goodness. Crispy panko breadcrumbs create a golden topping, elevating the dish from weeknight staple to dinner party star. Ready in under an hour, this baked mac and cheese masterpiece is the perfect blend of indulgence and sophistication—ideal for cozy family dinners or special gatherings.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, Gouda cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped Swiss chard and sauté for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and sautéed Swiss chard in a large mixing bowl. Mix until evenly coated.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and transfer the macaroni mixture into it.
Sprinkle the top with panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Double Dutch Mac Cheese with Chard!
Calories |
5492 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 325.9 g | 418% | |
| Saturated Fat | 183.6 g | 918% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 919 mg | 306% | |
| Sodium | 7236 mg | 315% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 415.1 g | 151% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.0 g | 75% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.3 g | ||
| Protein | 208.5 g | 417% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.4 mcg | 52% | |
| Calcium | 4317 mg | 332% | |
| Iron | 24.9 mg | 138% | |
| Potassium | 2495 mg | 53% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.