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Calories: 965kcal
Rich, cheesy, and packed with layers of flavor, this Caramelized Onion Baked Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its finest. Each bite features creamy homemade cheese sauce, golden pasta, and sweet, deeply caramelized onions that add an amazing flavor boost. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or a crowd-pleasing addition to any gathering, this mac and cheese combines sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere for a bold, gooey experience. Baked to a golden-brown top, it’s finished with more cheese and caramelized onions for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions:
- 60 ml oil
- 4 large yellow onions thinly sliced
- ½ tsp salt
- 15 ml balsamic vinegar
- 2 tsp brown sugar
Mac and Cheese:
- 450 g dried pasta
- 120 g butter
- 60 g all-purpose flour
- 480 ml half-and-half
- 960 ml milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 480 g sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 240 g Gruyere cheese shredded
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large pan, heat the oil over low heat.
- Add the sliced onions and salt. Cook, stirring regularly, until onions are deep brown and caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
- Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions, drain, and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in milk and half-and-half. Add salt and pepper, then cook until sauce thickens.
Combine & Assemble:
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and half of the caramelized onions until melted.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, coating it thoroughly in the cheese sauce.
Bake:
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese and caramelized onions.
- Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30-45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best caramelized onions, take your time and keep the heat low. It may be tempting to rush, but slow cooking creates the deep, sweet flavor that makes this dish stand out. Gruyere adds a nutty richness to the sharp cheddar, but if you’re out of Gruyere, Swiss or Monterey Jack can work too. Baking the mac and cheese in a shallow dish helps create that delicious golden crust, so use a wide, shallow pan if you have one. For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
This Caramelized Onion Baked Mac and Cheese is a true crowd-pleaser, marrying creamy, cheesy goodness with savory-sweet onions. The perfect mix of textures and flavors, this dish is ideal for potlucks, cozy family dinners, or just indulging in some classic comfort food.
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Estimated Nutrition:
Calories: 965kcal (48%)Carbohydrates: 66g (22%)Protein: 38g (76%)Fat: 62g (95%)Saturated Fat: 32g (200%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 161mg (54%)Sodium: 1235mg (54%)Potassium: 583mg (17%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 15g (17%)Vitamin A: 1670IU (33%)Vitamin C: 6mg (7%)Calcium: 976mg (98%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
