Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni and Cheese)
Swiss Alpine macaroni and cheese (Älplermagronen) is the Swiss version of mac and cheese, creamy Macaroni pasta and potatoes layered together, then finished with golden caramelized onions and crisp bacon for a hearty, cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 100 g Smoked Bacon Diced
- 1 Onion Sliced
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 250 ml Chicken Broth
- 100 ml Heavy Cream
- 200 g Potatoes Diced
- 125 g Macaroni
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 50 g Gruyere Cheese Shredded
- 1 teaspoon Parsley chopped Optional
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, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cover the saucepan. Let it cook for 10 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender and the macaroni are al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Once the potatoes are tender, add the pepper and shredded 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
Small-Size Potatoes: I like cutting the potatoes into small pieces so they cook evenly and don’t leave you with undercooked chunks or mushy macaroni.
Check Potatoes and Macaroni as They Cook: I always keep an eye on both so they don’t overcook, an occasional stir keeps the pasta from sticking, too.
Garnish Last Minute: I love sprinkling on parsley, caramelized onions, and bacon right before serving for that fresh pop of flavor and color.
Nutrition
Calories: 888kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 1578mg | Potassium: 846mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1006IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 338mg | Iron: 2mg
