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French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Description

This French Onion Mac and Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavor of sweet onions with creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta for a comforting and decadent dish. The long-simmered onions add a deep sweetness and complexity that elevates classic mac and cheese to a gourmet level, finished with crispy breadcrumbs and fresh thyme for an irresistible texture and aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 1 pound short cut pasta, cooked according to package directions

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Topping

  • ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • Fresh thyme, for serving

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a big pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions soften, about 10 to 15 minutes. Reduce heat to low or medium-low and continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 60 to 90 minutes until onions are golden and caramelized. Add a few splashes of water if onions start to stick or burn to maintain moisture.
  2. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the short cut pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare Roux and Sauce: In the same skillet used for onions, add butter and melt over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux and cook 2 to 3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in freshly ground nutmeg. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
  4. Add Cheese and Onions: Stir in most of the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, reserving some for topping, until melted and fully incorporated. Fold in about three-quarters of the caramelized onions. Add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly in the skillet. Top with remaining cheese, the rest of the caramelized onions, and sprinkle the seasoned bread crumbs on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle fresh thyme over the dish. Serve warm and enjoy the rich flavors of French Onion Mac and Cheese.

Notes

  • To speed up onion caramelization, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, honey, or maple syrup and stir frequently.
  • Use a sturdy oven-safe skillet for easy transition from stovetop to oven.
  • Gruyere adds creaminess and nuttiness; substituting with other melting cheeses may alter flavor.
  • If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

Find it online: https://piesbypaula.com/french-onion-mac-and-cheese-recipe/