Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese: A Culinary Journey to the Swiss Alps
In the heart of the majestic Swiss Alps lies a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers worldwide: Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese. This traditional dish, also known as Älplermagronen or Maccheroni del Alpigiano, is a symphony of flavors that embodies the essence of Swiss cuisine. With its comforting warmth, rich cheesy texture, and delightful combination of ingredients, Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese is a feast for the senses.
This hearty dish features a delectable blend of al dente pasta, gooey melted cheese, and a medley of savory ingredients. The pasta, typically egg noodles or penne, is cooked to perfection and tossed with a generous amount of grated cheese, creating a luscious and creamy sauce. The addition of crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and earthy mushrooms adds layers of flavor and texture, making each bite an explosion of taste.
Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese is not just a culinary delight but also a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of the Swiss Alps. The dish's origins can be traced back to the humble kitchens of Alpine farmers, who created this dish as a way to use up leftover ingredients and create a hearty meal that could sustain them through long days of work. Over time, Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese has evolved into a beloved national dish, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
To create this delectable dish, you'll find a detailed recipe that guides you through every step of the process, from selecting the right ingredients to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. The recipe also includes variations and additional tips to help you customize the dish to your liking. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will empower you to recreate this Alpine masterpiece in your own home.
Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a comforting snack. It's perfect for gatherings with friends and family, potlucks, or simply as a treat for yourself. With its rich flavors, hearty texture, and heartwarming appeal, Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So, embark on this culinary journey to the Swiss Alps and discover the magic of Baked Alpine Noodles and Cheese.
ÄLPLERMAGRONEN (SWISS ALPINE MACARONI)
A recipe for Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni)! Layers of pasta, potatoes, cheese, and cream are baked until golden, topped with caramelized onions, and served with applesauce.
Provided by Tara
Categories Main
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Lightly grease a large casserole dish.
- In a large frying pan, melt butter over medium low heat. Add the onions, season with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. This will take about 30 minutes.
- Bring large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Once water comes to a boil, add the cubed potatoes. As they begin to soften, after about 5 minutes, add the dried penne. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender and pasta is barely tender, about 7 minutes. The pasta will cook a little further as it bakes. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, season cream with salt, pepper, and about 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
- Add 1/3 of penne and potatoes to the bottom of prepared dish. Evenly cover with 1/3rd of the grated cheese. Top with another 1/3 of penne and potatoes. Top with another 1/3rd of the cheese, then remaining penne and potatoes. Top evenly with the remaining shredded cheese. Pour the seasoned cream over the layers.
- Bake in preheated oven until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from the oven and evenly top with the caramelized onions.
- Serve the Älplermagronen hot either over the applesauce or with the applesauce on the side. If desired, top with a little fresh parsley or chives.
ÄLPLERMAGRONEN (SWISS ALPINE MACARONI AND CHEESE)
Alpine macaroni (älplermagronen or alpen macaroni) is essentially Swiss mac and cheese with potatoes. Macaroni and cubed potatoes collectively drown in a decadent cheese sauce! This fall and winter cozy classic is topped with caramelized onions and crispy bacon lardons, and is served with a side of applesauce.
Provided by Victoria
Categories Main Course
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- To make the bacon lardons: add the bacon pieces to a cold frying pan and turn on the heat to medium heat. Cook lardons, stirring regularly, until the fat renders and the bacon is browned and crispy, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove lardons with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- To make the caramelized onions: In a frying pan over medium-low heat melt the butter. Alternatively cook the onions in 2 tablespoons bacon fat if you are cooking bacon lardons for the garnish (just use the same frying pan and remove all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan). Add the onions, season with salt, and cook, stirring regularly until soft and golden, about 30 minutes. Set aside.
- To make the applesauce: Place the apples in a saucepan with water and cover. Simmer gently on medium-low heat, stirring once or twice, until the apple is completely tender, about 20 minutes. Mash with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
- To make the macaroni: Add the cubed potatoes to a large pot and cover generously with salted water. Bring to a boil, add the macaroni and continue to cook until the macaroni is barely al dente and the potatoes are tender. The exact time will depend on the macaroni shape. It's about 10 minutes for ziti. If using a smaller shape with shorter cook time (like elbows which need only 6 minutes for al dente) you may want to boil the potatoes for a couple minutes on their own before adding the macaroni. Drain the macaroni and potatoes.
- Return to the drained macaroni and potatoes to the pot, add the cream and return to medium heat. Stir until the cream starts to heat up (a minute or so) and then add the grated cheese, a little salt, and a bit of freshly grated nutmeg. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted into a thick and luscious sauce.
- Serve the cheesy Alpine macaroni on individual plates topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon lardons (optional), and with applesauce on the side to eat either with the macaroni or afterwards as dessert based on personal preference.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 648 kcal, Fat 39 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 292 mg, Carbohydrate 43 g, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 14 g, Protein 22 g, UnsaturatedFat 1 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ALPINE BAKED PASTA
Provided by Food Network
Time 55m
Yield 6 to 8 portions
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Place the water in a large pot and bring to the boil. Add the salt, return to the boil and add the
- pasta. When the water returns to the boil, begin to time the pasta carefully, and after 8 minutes of cooking time add the leeks. Cook the pasta and leeks together for another 2 minutes after the water has returned to the boil.
- While waiting for the pasta to cook, put the butter into a saucepan and begin to melt until golden brown. When the butter is a light nut brown add the sage and poppy seeds and set aside.
- The pasta leek combination should cook for a total time of about 10 to 11 minutes (check the recommended cooking time on the pasta box). Add the spinach in the final 2 minutes of cooking time. Cook together for 2 to 3 minutes, drain and toss with the sage butter, add the salt and pepper and place into a buttered gratin dish.
- Add both cheeses and stir to combine. Place the gratin dish into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cheese has melted and the top edges begin to brown. Serve immediately.
POLISH NOODLES (COTTAGE CHEESE AND NOODLES)
This simple recipe came from the Polish side of my family. We simply called it 'cottage cheese and noodles' or 'lazy man pierogies.' It's a great comfort food and can be made with any kind of noodle. It could be a side dish, but we always enjoyed it as a meal.
Provided by Brandi Rose
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Eastern European Polish
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in melted butter until softened, 7 to 10 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook egg noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 5 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Stir butter and onion mixture, cottage cheese, sour cream, sea salt, and black pepper into the noodles. Place the pot over medium heat; cook and stir until heated through and warm, 5 to 8 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 545.2 calories, Carbohydrate 57.2 g, Cholesterol 123 mg, Fat 26.1 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 20.8 g, SaturatedFat 15.2 g, Sodium 584.4 mg, Sugar 2.2 g
THREE-CHEESE NOODLE BAKE
Enjoy this noodles bake that is ready in 50 minutes - a perfect dinner for cheese lovers.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 50m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt 2 tablespoons margarine in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until blended. Cook, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly; remove from heat.
- Gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheeses; keep warm over low heat.
- Heat oven to 350°.
- Meanwhile, cook and drain noodles as directed on package.
- Alternate layers of noodles and cheese mixture, ending with noodles, in ungreased 2-quart casserole.
- Heat bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon margarine over medium heat, stirring frequently, until crumbs are toasted. Sprinkle over noodles.
- Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 460 mg
SWISS CHEESE NOODLE BAKE
Using broad egg noodles and Swiss cheese, this layered pasta dish is a delicious change from the normal pasta dish! It's a family favorite! Can be made ahead of time, and refrigerated until ready to cook. freezes well.
Provided by Qop69sbk
Categories 100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes Noodle Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook ground beef and sausage in a large, deep skillet until well browned, about 5 minutes. Drain fat. Stir in pasta sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- While sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Stir in the egg noodles. Boil until cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 5 minutes. Drain well.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the cooked noodles, and 1 1/2 packages of cheese slices. Repeat with remaining sauce, noodles, and cheese.
- Place uncovered dish in preheated oven. Bake, until cheese is melted and browned, about 40 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 951.2 calories, Carbohydrate 71.2 g, Cholesterol 186.1 mg, Fat 50.6 g, Fiber 6.6 g, Protein 50.9 g, SaturatedFat 24.3 g, Sodium 1426.5 mg, Sugar 18.6 g
CHEESY NOODLE CASSEROLE
This rich, cheesy side dish is such an excellent meal extender that I always keep it in mind whenever I feel my menu needs a boost. It's a quick and easy casserole to fix...and is always devoured in a hurry! -Shirley McKee, Varna, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 50m
Yield 2 casseroles (12 servings each).
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in the flour, garlic salt and onion salt until smooth; gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add the cheese; stir until melted. Stir in noodles. , Transfer to two greased shallow 2-qt. baking dishes. Combine the bread crumbs and butter until crumbly; sprinkle over casseroles. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 697mg sodium, Carbohydrate 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 12g protein.
Tips & Conclusion
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the final flavor of the dish.
- Don't overcook the noodles. They should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Use a flavorful cheese. A sharp cheddar or Gruyère are both good choices.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavorings. You can add herbs, spices, or vegetables to the dish to customize it to your liking.
- Serve the baked alpine noodles and cheese hot, with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.
Conclusion:
Baked alpine noodles and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that is easy to make and always a hit with the family. It's a great way to use up leftover noodles, and it's also a budget-friendly meal. This dish is also a good source of protein, calcium, and carbohydrates. The combination of the noodles, cheese, and sauce is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to serve at a potluck, baked alpine noodles and cheese is sure to please everyone at the table.
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