Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with a mind-blowing twist that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another ordinary pasta dish - it's a gourmet experience that transforms a classic comfort food into a luxurious culinary masterpiece. By slowly caramelizing onions and creating a rich, creamy cheese sauce, you'll create a mac and cheese so irresistible that it'll become your new obsession. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality recipe that's surprisingly simple to make at home!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the onions thinly and evenly, ensuring uniform caramelization.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and caramelized, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- While onions are caramelizing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency later.
- In the same skillet with caramelized onions, add butter and melt completely.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth base.
- Slowly incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.
- Place under broiler for 2-3 minutes until breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions - cook them low and slow to develop deep, sweet flavor
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor complexity
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed
- Make sure to stir onions frequently to prevent burning
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution during caramelization
- Don't rush the broiling process - watch breadcrumbs carefully to achieve perfect golden-brown color
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after broiling to allow sauce to set
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of cream to the cheese sauce
- Experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavor profiles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
