Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni)
In short: Macaroni and potato cubes tossed with cream and Alpine cheese, topped with sweet fried onions and served with a spoonful of applesauce. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 790 kcal
Älplermagronen means Alpine herder's macaroni, a supper built on the staples of a mountain pantry: pasta, potatoes, cheese and cream. Macaroni and potato cubes are boiled together, then coated in melted cheese and cream and crowned with slowly fried onions. The Swiss eat it with a bowl of applesauce on the side, and the sweet-tart fruit is as much a part of the dish as the cheese.
Instructions
- Melt the butter with the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the onions for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring now and then, until deep golden, soft and crisp at the edges. Season with salt.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the potato cubes and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the macaroni to the same pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes more, until the pasta is al dente and the potatoes are tender. Scoop out 100 ml (scant 1/2 cup) of the cooking water, then drain.
- Return the pasta and potatoes to the pot over low heat. Pour in the cream and heat until it steams.
- Add the cheeses by the handful, stirring until melted and creamy. Loosen with some of the cooking water if needed, and season with nutmeg, pepper and a little salt.
- Serve in warm bowls, topped with the onions, with the applesauce alongside.
Tips
- Applesauce is the customary partner, because its sweet tartness cuts through the rich cheese. Use unsweetened applesauce, or simmer two peeled apples with a splash of water and lemon juice.
- Keep the heat low once the cheese goes in, and add it by the handful. High heat makes the cheese stringy and grainy.
Questions and answers
Why do you eat applesauce with Älplermagronen?
The sweet, slightly sharp applesauce cuts through the creamy cheese and starch, much as a pickle would. It is the customary partner across German-speaking Switzerland.
Can I bake Älplermagronen?
Yes. Layer everything in a buttered dish, pour over the cream, cover with the remaining cheese and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, until golden.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm them in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream, stirring often. The sauce tightens as it cools, so it needs the extra liquid.
How long does it take to make Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni)?
About 55 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 35 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Älplermagronen (Swiss Alpine Macaroni)?
About 790 kcal per serving, with 28 g of protein, 71 g of carbohydrates and 43 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 790 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 71 g |
| Fat | 43 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
