Caramelized Onion & Sharp Cheddar Macaroni Bake

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Caramelized Onion & Sharp Cheddar Macaroni Bake elevates your comfort food game with the sweet richness of caramelized onions paired with the bold flavor of sharp Cheddar cheese, making it a perfect choice for American cuisine lovers. Ideal for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe is gluten and dairy-friendly with simple substitutions. The flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, making it versatile for any meal. Serve it as a main dish or a side, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness.

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Overview

This gourmet twist on classic macaroni and cheese combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the boldness of sharp Cheddar cheese. It's a comforting dish that requires a bit more effort but delivers a rich and satisfying flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

Diet Type

Vegetarian (with vegetable broth substitution)

Allergies

Dairy, Gluten

Cuisine

American

Serving Size: 6

Cooking Time: 105 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 Tablespoons (tbsp) butter, divided
• 1 Large Vidalia onion, sliced
• 0.5 Teaspoons (tsp) sugar
• 1 Pinch salt, to taste
• 8 Ounces (oz) macaroni, packaged
• 1 Cup bread crumbs, packaged
• 0.5 Teaspoon (tsp) dried mustard
• 1 Clove garlic, minced
• 1 Pinch cayenne pepper, to taste
• 3 Tablespoons (tbsp) all-purpose flour
• 1.75 Cups milk
• 0.75 Cup chicken broth
• 8 Ounces (oz) cheddar cheese, grated
• 0.5 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 Pinch black pepper, to taste
• 1 Pinch salt, to taste

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions are caramelized, about 15 to 20 minutes. If the mixture is too dry, add an additional tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, cover, and set aside.
4. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Stir in the bread crumbs and toast lightly for a few minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Dissolve the dried mustard in an equal amount of water and add to the pot along with the garlic and cayenne pepper. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Sprinkle in the flour and cook until golden, about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
7. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Stir in the caramelized onions and season with salt and pepper.
8. Add the drained macaroni and stir until well blended. Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with the toasted bread crumbs.
9. Bake until golden brown and bubbling around the edges, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Caramelized Onion & Sharp Cheddar Baked Macaroni!