Feeling overwhelmed by leftover pasta and yearning for a melty, cheesy adventure? This Swiss Pasta Gratin recipe is your knight in shining armor (or should we say, casserole dish)! Get ready to transform those lonely noodles into a dish so gloriously gooey and delightfully decadent, you’ll be wondering why you ever settled for plain pasta in the first place. Let’s turn leftovers into legend – Swiss cheese, creamy sauce, and crispy edges await! Let’s get cookin’!

Difficulty: Easy

Time: 1 hour

Swiss Pasta Gratin Recipe

Swiss Pasta Gratin Recipe Ingredients:

Calling all cheese lovers and pasta fanatics! This Swiss Pasta Gratin recipe is about to become your new best friend. It transforms leftover pasta into a melty, cheesy masterpiece that will have you wondering why you ever settled for plain noodles. Gather your cheesy troops (ingredients) and get ready for a flavor explosion!

• For the Cheesy Base:

  • Cooked Pasta (4 cups) – Any leftover cooked pasta will work here – penne, macaroni, or fusilli are all excellent choices. 2-3 cups cooked rice or quinoa can also be used for a twist.
  • Gruyere Cheese (2 cups, grated) – The star of the show! Gruyere cheese offers a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta. You can substitute with Emmental cheese if Gruyere is unavailable.
  • Milk (2 cups) – Creates a creamy and cohesive sauce.
  • Heavy Cream (1 cup, optional) – For an extra decadent and luxurious gratin, add some heavy cream.
  • All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons) – Thickens the sauce slightly for a creamy consistency.
  • Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon) – Adds a touch of tang that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
  • Salt and Black Pepper (to taste) – Seasoning is key!
  • Fresh Nutmeg (a pinch, optional) – A touch of nutmeg adds a warm and slightly spiced depth of flavor.

• For the Topping (Optional):

  • Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs) – For a delightful crispy topping.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup) – Adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Swiss Pasta Gratin Instructions:

Ready to turn leftover pasta into a cheesy dream? Let’s get cooking!

1. Preheat the Oven: Get your oven nice and hot at 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish (around 9×13 inches) for easy serving.

2. Prepare the Sauce (Béchamel Method): In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter (not included in ingredients list, about 2 tablespoons). Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream (if using), whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard.

3. Combine Pasta and Cheese: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and grated Gruyere cheese. Pour the prepared sauce over the pasta and cheese mixture, and toss to coat everything evenly.

4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. If using, top with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the gratin for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

6. Serve and Savor: Let the gratin cool slightly for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set further. Enjoy your decadent Swiss Pasta Gratin warm and gooey!

Swiss Pasta Gratin Serving Suggestions:

This versatile and cheesy dish can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways:

• Comforting Main Course: This gratin is hearty and satisfying enough to be served as a main course alongside a simple green salad.
• Side Dish Delight: Pair Swiss Pasta Gratin with grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables for a complete and delicious meal.
• Potluck Marvel: This cheesy dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is perfect for bringing to potlucks or gatherings.
• Leftover Love: Reheat leftover gratin in the oven or microwave for a quick and satisfying meal later in the week.

Why Swiss Pasta Gratin Is an Awesome Recipe for Using Up Leftovers:

Swiss Pasta Gratin might not be the absolute best leftover dish in terms of reheating texture, but it’s an awesome recipe for using up leftover pasta for a few key reasons:

• Pasta Pantry Rescue: Say goodbye to lonely leftover pasta languishing in the fridge! This recipe breathes new life into cooked pasta, transforming it into a cheesy and comforting casserole. Any type of leftover pasta works here, from penne to macaroni to fusilli.
• Cheese Clean Up Crew: Got leftover cheese hanging around? Swiss Pasta Gratin is here to help! The recipe calls for Gruyere cheese, but you can also use up bits and bobs of other cheeses you have on hand. Feel free to grate up leftover Parmesan, cheddar, or Emmental to create your own unique cheesy blend.
• Simple and Speedy: This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It comes together quickly and easily with minimal prep work. Simply toss together your leftover pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
• Budget-Friendly Bonanza: Swiss Pasta Gratin is an economical dish. It utilizes leftover ingredients and doesn’t require a ton of expensive extras.
• Endless Customization: This recipe is a great base for creativity. Add leftover cooked vegetables, shredded chicken, or crumbled bacon for a protein and veggie boost. Love herbs? Throw in some chopped thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor.

So next time you find yourself with leftover pasta and some cheese odds and ends, don’t you dare toss them! Whip up a batch of Swiss Pasta Gratin. It’s a delicious and budget-friendly way to use up leftovers, unleash your culinary creativity, and create a cheesy and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Take a look at more recipes to reduce food waste here.