French Onion Mac and Cheese
French Onion Mac and Cheese is an irresistible twist on the classic comfort food, blending savory caramelized onions with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish features layers of gooey Gruyère and mozzarella topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, creating a delightful texture and flavor that will warm your soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for onions)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and salt; cook for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In another saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in Gruyère and mozzarella until melted.
- Fold macaroni into the cheese sauce along with caramelized onions and thyme.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Fontina for unique variations. Let the dish rest before serving to enhance flavor melding.