Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Cheddar Macaroni Bake

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Cheddar Macaroni Bake elevates your comfort food game with the sweet richness of caramelized onions paired with sharp Cheddar cheese, creating a mouthwatering flavor profile. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this American classic can easily be made gluten-free with the right pasta. Versatile and satisfying, it’s ideal as a main course or a side dish. Access this recipe and more on the easyChef Pro App, where personalized recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and smart shopping lists make meal planning a breeze. Select this recipe today and transform your cooking routine!

Overview

This fancy baked macaroni and cheese recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the sharpness of Cheddar cheese, creating a delightful dish that's worth the extra effort. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish can be made vegetarian by substituting chicken broth with vegetable broth. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture of this classic comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Diet Type

Vegetarian (with 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 Teaspoon (tsp) sugar
• 1 Pinch salt
• 8 Ounces (oz) macaroni, packaged
• 1 Cup bread crumbs, packaged
• 0.5 Teaspoon (tsp) dried mustard
• 1 Clove garlic, minced
• 1 Pinch cayenne pepper
• 3 Tablespoons (tbsp) flour, sifted
• 1.75 Cups milk
• 0.75 Cup chicken broth
• 8 Ounces (oz) Cheddar cheese, grated
• 0.5 Cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 Pinch salt, to taste
• 1 Pinch black pepper, to taste

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized, about 25 minutes. Set aside.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Set aside.
4. In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the dried mustard, garlic, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the flour. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Combine the cooked macaroni, caramelized onions, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture.
9. Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly, about 30 minutes.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Enjoy your homemade Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Cheddar Macaroni Bake!