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french onion mac and cheese

The french onion mac and cheese

french onion mac and cheese: Dive into creamy, caramelized onion goodness topped with golden crust comfort food at its finest.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Main Dish
Cuisine American, French-inspired
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 580 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Caramelized Onions:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk warm
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi, cooked al dente
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • Fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions
 

Caramelize the Onions

  • In a large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
  • Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes.
  • Sprinkle in sugar midway to enhance caramelization. Cook until deeply golden and soft. Set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, stirring for 1–2 minutes.
  • Slowly add warm milk while whisking constantly until smooth.
  • Stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire.
  • Add Gruyère and cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble the Dish

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, caramelized onions (reserve a bit for topping), and cheese sauce.
  • Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan, remaining onions, and breadcrumbs on top.

Bake

  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
  • Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme.

Notes

  • Calories: Approximately 580 kcal
  • Total Fat: 32 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 47 grams
  • Protein: 22 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugars: 6 grams
  • Sodium: 620 milligrams
Note: Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and measurements used.