This is the perfect dish for a chilly evening in the Swiss Alps. Alpine macaroni, or älplermagronen, a Swiss take on mac and cheese is a dish to warm you up, made with macaroni pasta, small potato pieces, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with sweet caramelized onions and crispy bacon, it’s pure comfort in a bowl. And for a unique twist, it’s served with applesauce on the side, adding just the right hint of sweetness. Cozy, hearty, and delicious, it’s the ideal meal for a night by the fire.
Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni and Cheese)
Macaroni and cheese is one of those comforting, all-time favorite dishes that everyone seems to love, and it's made in so many different ways around the world. In Switzerland, there’s a unique twist on it called älplermagronen, or Alpine macaroni, and it’s something truly special.
Imagine the warmth of cheesy pasta combined with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and savory onions, that’s älplermagronen! It’s the perfect mix of cozy and flavorful, ideal for gathering family and friends on a chilly evening.
I first tried this dish on a weekend getaway in Switzerland, and it was unforgettable. There’s just something about the fresh mountain air and those cozy wooden chalets that makes you crave hearty, comforting food. Swiss mac and cheese with a side of applesauce, who would have thought? But it works perfectly!
The name says it all: Älpler means mountain and magronen means macaroni in Swiss German, so it’s often called Swiss Alpine macaroni. Think of it as the Swiss version of mac and cheese but with a little extra magic. If you’re a mac and cheese fan, this is one dish you absolutely have to try!
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⭐Why You'll Love This Apple Macaroni
- Easy to Make, Yet Impressive: This dish is super simple to make but still feels fancy.
- Balanced Sweetness: The applesauce adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors without overpowering them. It makes the dish feel both hearty and refreshing.
- Textures That Shine: Crispy bacon and caramelized onions give a nice crunch, while the soft potatoes and creamy macaroni create a perfect contrast.
- Comfort Food with a Twist: If you love comfort food, this dish is a fun spin on the familiar. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or when you want to serve something special.
🧾Apple Macaroni Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Apple Macaroni:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil to sauté the bacon and aromatics. It adds a smooth, earthy flavor and is a healthy fat that enhances the dish without taking over the other flavors.
- Smoked Bacon: Smoked bacon brings a rich, savory flavor and a nice crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy macaroni and potatoes. It really deepens the taste of the dish.
- Onion: White onion, when caramelized, adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory ingredients. It also brings a bit of umami to the dish, blending perfectly with the bacon and garlic.
- Garlic Cloves: Garlic gives a fragrant, savory kick that enhances the overall aroma and flavor. It’s a subtle, warm addition that complements the smokiness of the bacon.
- Chicken Broth: I use chicken broth as the base for the sauce, enriching the dish with savory depth while helping cook the potatoes and macaroni. It ties everything together.
- Heavy Cream: Cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture that brings richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Potatoes: Potatoes add heartiness and substance to the dish. They soak up the flavors and become tender, creating a nice contrast to the creaminess of the pasta.
- Macaroni: Classic macaroni is perfect for this dish, soaking up the creamy sauce and providing a satisfying texture.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Salt brings out all the natural flavors, while black pepper adds a bit of heat and sharpness that balances the richness of the cream and bacon.
- Gruyère Cheese: Gruyère gives the dish a nutty, tangy flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce, adding richness and a savory depth that complements the bacon and onion.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley is the perfect garnish, adding a burst of color and a fresh, peppery note that lightens the richness of the dish.
- Applesauce: Applesauce on the side is the perfect sweet and tangy contrast. It balances the richness of the dish while adding a surprising and delicious twist. I like to serve with homemade applesauce, but you can use store-bought applesauce.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Apple Macaroni
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan, add the diced bacon and cook for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until crisp.
2. Add the sliced onion, stir, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and clear.
3. Add the minced garlic, stir, cover, and cook for 2 minutes until it smells fragrant. Set aside.
4. In a large saucepan, add the chicken broth and cream.
5. Add the diced potatoes and macaroni to the saucepan, season with salt, and stir. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the macaroni is al dente.
6. When the potatoes are soft, add the pepper and grated Gruyère. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
7. Scoop the macaroni onto a plate, then top with caramelized onion, bacon, and chopped parsley.
8. Serve with applesauce for a sweet touch in every bite.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Pick the Right Potatoes: Go for waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. They hold their shape better and won’t turn mushy. Dice them small, about the size of the macaroni, so they cook evenly and mix well into the dish.
Grate the Gruyère Freshly: Freshly grated Gruyère melts much better than the pre-shredded kind. Plus, it has a creamier, nuttier flavor that blends perfectly into the sauce.
Cook the Bacon Just Right: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy but still a little chewy. This gives it the perfect texture and smoky flavor. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease so your sauce stays creamy, not greasy.
Season Slowly: Taste as you go! Bacon and broth add salt, so add salt little by little to avoid making it too salty. The cheese and bacon will already bring some saltiness.
Storage: Store leftover apple macaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🍛More Pasta Recipes to Try!
If you're loving this apple macaroni, you'll also adore these tasty pasta recipes:
- Pasta Salad
- Gigi Hadid Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta Fettuccine
- Cherry Tomato Pasta
- Pasta alla norma Eggplant Pasta
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Apple Macaroni
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 100 g Smoked Bacon
- 1 Onion
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 250 ml Chicken Broth
- 100 ml Heavy Cream
- 200 g Potatoes
- 125 g Macaroni
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 50 g Gruyere Cheese
- Parsley
- Applesauce
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced bacon and cook until it starts to crisp about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the sliced onion, stir, cover, and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, stir, cover, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
- In a large saucepan, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add the diced potatoes and macaroni to the saucepan, season with salt, stir, and bring the mixture to a simmer, and cover the saucepan. Let it cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and macaroni are al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the pepper and grated Gruyère cheese to the saucepan. Gently mix everything together until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
- Spoon the macaroni mixture onto a plate and top with caramelized onion and bacon, garnishing with chopped parsley.
- Serve with a side of applesauce, for a touch of sweetness in each bite.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This apple macaroni is a cozy and comforting dish. The sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the savory macaroni, creating a unique and delicious flavor combination.