French Onion Mac & Cheese (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces elbow macaroni
→ Vegetables
02 -
3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
→ Fats and Oils
05 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
06 -
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Dry Ingredients
07 -
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 -
1 teaspoon salt
09 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
1 cup breadcrumbs
→ Liquids
11 -
2 cups vegetable broth
12 -
2 cups whole milk
13 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
→ Cheeses
14 -
2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
15 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
16 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
17 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter a baking dish to prevent sticking.
02 -
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deep golden and caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
03 -
Add the remaining butter to the skillet with onions. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, then the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
04 -
Reduce heat to low and stir in Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
Add cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding in the caramelized onions evenly to ensure a consistent flavor throughout.
06 -
Transfer the macaroni mixture into the buttered baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and evenly sprinkle this topping over the pasta.
07 -
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbling.
08 -
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, then serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Cooking the onions slowly is essential to develop deep flavor and sweetness.