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French Onion Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in Comfort: French Onion Macaroni and Cheese Delight

Enjoy this French Onion Macaroni and Cheese that combines caramelized onions and cheeses for a comforting dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: PASTA
Cuisine: French
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces cavatappi or elbow pasta can substitute with penne or fusilli
For the Onions
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
  • 2 medium yellow or Vidalia onions caramelized for deep sweetness
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or use dried if fresh is unavailable
  • 1 bay leaf optional, remember to remove before mixing
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground for better flavor
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thickening the sauce
  • 2 cups whole milk or opt for half-and-half
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese or substitute with Emmental cheese
  • 1 cup white Cheddar cheese or use orange Cheddar for color
For the Topping
  • 1 medium baguette cut into ½-inch slices
  • 1 clove garlic clove optional for extra flavor
  • 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar or use red/white wine vinegar

Equipment

  • oven
  • Large pot
  • ovenproof skillet
  • Baking Dish

Method
 

Steps to Make French Onion Macaroni and Cheese
  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
  2. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until 2 minutes shy of al dente.
  3. Melt unsalted butter in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, thyme, and bay leaf, and season.
  4. Cover and cook for about 3-5 minutes until softened.
  5. Uncover and cook until onions are deep brown, about 20-25 minutes.
  6. Deglaze the skillet with sherry vinegar and stir in remaining butter.
  7. Whisk in all-purpose flour and add whole milk, simmering until thick.
  8. Stir in Gruyère and white Cheddar cheeses until melted.
  9. Combine the sauce with the drained pasta in a greased baking dish.
  10. Top with baguette slices and reserved Gruyère cheese.
  11. Bake for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  12. Garnish with fresh thyme and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 26gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, use high-quality cheese and monitor cooking times to prevent mushy pasta.

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