Swiss Alpine Macaroni

Ingredients

• 250g (8.8 oz) macaroni pasta 250g (8.8 oz) macaroni pasta
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 200g (7 oz) Swiss cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, or a combination), grated 200g (7 oz) Swiss cheese (Gruyère, Emmental, or a combination), grated
• 100g (3.5 oz) caramelized onions (optional) 100g (3.5 oz) caramelized onions (optional)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste Pepper, to taste
• Nutmeg, to taste Nutmeg, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 200ml (7 fl oz) heavy cream 200ml (7 fl oz) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 20g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the diced potatoes and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
5. 5.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, potatoes, sautéed onions, grated Swiss cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. 6.
   Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
9. 9.
   Optional: Serve with a side of caramelized onions for added sweetness and flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Swiss Cheese — For the best flavor and melting consistency, use a combination of Gruyère and Emmental cheese. If these cheeses are not available, you can substitute with other Swiss cheese varieties.
• Caramelized Onions — To make caramelized onions, thinly slice an onion and cook it slowly in butter or oil over low heat until golden brown and sweet. This adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a creamy texture, make sure not to overcook the pasta. Cook it until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• For a more indulgent version, you can add crispy bacon or ham to the dish before baking.
• Experiment with different Swiss cheese combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Serve the Swiss Alpine Macaroni with a side of applesauce for a traditional Swiss touch.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to maintain their creamy consistency.

Serving advice

Serve the Swiss Alpine Macaroni hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Accompany the dish with a side of caramelized onions for added sweetness and depth of flavor.

Presentation advice

Present the Swiss Alpine Macaroni in individual serving dishes or in a large baking dish for family-style serving. The golden-brown crust on top should be visible, enticing your guests with its cheesy goodness. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an appealing touch.