Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese Bake. This dish combines the creamy richness of classic mac and cheese with the irresistible sweetness of caramelized onions, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite is a perfect balance of cheesy goodness and savory caramelized onions, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add the cooked macaroni and caramelized onions to the cheese sauce, stirring until well combined.
8. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese Bake!