Caramelized Onion Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

• 5 white onions, julienned
• Unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, or dried thyme
• 300ml beef stock
• Breadcrumbs

Mac & Cheese Base

• 70g unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 500g whole milk
• 100g white aged cheddar, shredded
• 100g Monterey cheese, shredded
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 pinch nutmeg
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 500g pasta of your choice

This French onion mac & cheese is creamy, rich, and packed with sweet caramelized onions with a crispy golden topping.

Instructions

Caramelized Onions

1. Add butter to a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
4. Add the beef stock and thyme.
5. Let it simmer until the liquid mostly evaporates and the onions become rich and jammy.

Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the flour and whisk until fully combined.
3. Cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, making sure no lumps form.
5. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
6. Add the cheddar and Monterey cheese gradually, stirring until smooth and melted.
7. Mix in the Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Assemble

1. Add most of the caramelized onions to the cheese sauce.
2. Fold in the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
3. Pour everything into a greased baking dish.
4. Top with the remaining caramelized onions, extra cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Bake

1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
2. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.