How long can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

What can I substitute if I can't find Gruyère?

You can use Swiss cheese or sharp cheddar as a substitute.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are verified gluten-free.

How can I make it vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly; just ensure the cheeses used are vegetarian as well.

Hearty Swiss Alplermagronen with Caramelized Apples

Name: Hearty Swiss Alplermagronen with Caramelized Apples
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 400g macaroni; 200g Gruyère cheese, grated; 100g Emmental cheese, grated; 200ml heavy cream; Salt and pepper; 3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 50g unsalted butter; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; Pinch of salt; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp chives, finely sliced

A Classic Alpine Delight

A comforting, cheesy pasta bake combined with sweet, caramelized apples—a true staple of Swiss mountain cuisine.

1 h 30 min
4
Intermediate

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese Mix

400g macaroni

200g Gruyère cheese, grated

100g Emmental cheese, grated

200ml heavy cream

Salt and pepper

To taste

Caramelized Apples

3 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

50g unsalted butter

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Onion Topping

2 large onions, thinly sliced

3 tbsp unsalted butter

Pinch of salt

Herb Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

1 tbsp chives, finely sliced

Preparation

Preparing the Pasta and Cheese Mix

Cook macaroni

Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with Gruyère, Emmental, and cream. Season with salt and pepper.

Prepare baking dish

Transfer the mix to a greased baking dish and set aside.

Preparing the Caramelized Apples

Melt butter

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Add apples and season

Add apple slices, sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Caramelize apples

Cook until apples are soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.

Allow the caramelized apples to cool slightly before topping to prevent melting the cheese prematurely.

Cooking Process

Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the pasta for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Caramelizing Onions

Sauté onions in butter over low heat until deeply golden and sweet, about 30 minutes.

Maintain low heat to avoid burning.

Combining

Spread the caramelized onions over the baked pasta, followed by the caramelized apples.

Plating & Serving