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French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 9 reviews

This French Onion Mac and Cheese recipe combines the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with creamy gruyere and parmesan cheeses, baked to golden bubbly perfection. Featuring layers of tender short-cut pasta and a luscious cheese sauce enhanced by nutmeg and fresh thyme, this dish is a comfort food classic with a sophisticated twist, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Onions

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

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound short cut pasta, cooked

For the Cheese Sauce and Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Stir in the thinly sliced onions with a big pinch of kosher salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the onions soften, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  2. Slow Cook the Onions: Decrease the heat to low or medium-low. Continue cooking the onions, stirring often, for about 60 to 90 minutes until they become golden and caramelized. If the onions start to stick or burn, lower the heat further or add a few splashes of water to keep them hydrated.
  3. Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Roux: Once the onions are caramelized, remove them from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Add the butter to the same skillet and melt it over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the roux turns golden and starts to smell nutty.
  5. Make the Cheese Sauce: Slowly stream in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens. Stir in the freshly ground nutmeg for subtle warmth.
  6. Add Cheese and Combine Ingredients: Stir in nearly all of the grated gruyere and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add three-quarters of the caramelized onions into the sauce, followed by the cooked pasta. Stir and toss vigorously until everything is well combined.
  7. Assemble and Bake: Top the mixture with the reserved cheese and remaining caramelized onions. Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs evenly over the top. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  8. Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Serve hot as a decadent, flavorful main or side dish.

Notes

  • To speed up caramelization, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, honey, or maple syrup to the onions while cooking, stirring frequently.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet for an easy transfer from stovetop to oven.
  • Short-cut pasta like elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or shells works best to hold the cheese sauce.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, reserve a few extra onions for topping.
  • Let the mac and cheese rest a few minutes after baking to thicken before serving.

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