Name: Double-Dutch Mac and Cheese with Chard
Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, divided; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour; 3 cups reduced-fat (2%) milk; 2 cups (packed) coarsely grated aged Gouda cheese plus 1/2 cup finely grated (about 10 ounces total); 2 cups (packed) coarsely grated Edam cheese, divided; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 1/2 pounds Swiss chard, stems and center ribs removed; 12 ounces elbow macaroni; 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless sourdough bread; 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (optional)

Double-Dutch Mac and Cheese with ChardAntonis Achilleos

Try as we might, we couldn't find a substitute for mac and cheese—and we certainly weren't going to leave it off the list. This is the dish that will still be appearing on American tables hundreds of years from now. But mac and cheese in 2009 certainly doesn't look—or taste—the same as it did back in the day. The casserole keeps reflecting our changing tastes. We've seen versions made with every kind of pasta, lighter variations packed with veggies, and super-luxe options redolent of truffle oil. To make mac and cheese truly your own, get creative with the cheese. Here, we use a combination of two of the Netherlands' best-known cheeses: Gouda and Edam.

Recipe notes

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

London Fog Brownies

Yes, brownies can—and should—be made with white chocolate.

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Classic French Bouillabaisse With Rouille

This flexible recipe is all you need to bring this iconic Provençal seafood stew to your table.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.