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5 from 1 review

French Onion Mac and Cheese

Recipe by Archersfood

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this French Onion Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with sweet, caramelized onions, this decadent twist on a classic dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or a crowd-pleasing side for holidays. 

  • Total Time50 minutes
  • Yield8–10 servings
  • DietVegetarian

Ingredients

Pasta:

  • 500 g (5 cups) elbow pasta

Caramelized Onions:

  • 8 large yellow onions
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp salt

Cheese Sauce:

  • 800 ml (3 ⅓ cups) evaporated milk
  • 300 g (1 ¼ cups) heavy cream
  • 600 g (6 cups) mozzarella cheese
  • 350 g (3 cups) cheddar cheese
  • 450 g (4 cups) smoked gouda cheese
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Slice eight onions thinly. In a large pan, melt butter over medium-low heat, then add the onions and salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn deep golden brown, become soft, and have a jam-like consistency. This process can take 30-40 minutes and is essential for developing the sweet, rich flavor that makes this dish special. Add garlic clove and cook it.
  2.  While the onions are caramelizing, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow pasta until it is slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta and set it aside. It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the creamy sauce.
  3. In the pan with the caramelized onions, add in all-purpose flour and cook for a minute or two to create a light colored roux. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream, forming a smooth, creamy base. Season the sauce with Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, white pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder to taste.
  4.  Turn off the heat and slowly stir in the cheese in two portions: mozzarella, cheddar, and smoked gouda. Continue to mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
  5. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring that every piece is evenly coated with the creamy, onion-packed sauce.
  6.  Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with extra cheese. Broil until the top is bubbly and golden brown, which should take about 2 to 10 minutes, depending on your oven.
  7.  Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will let the sauce thicken slightly and make it easier to portion. Serve it as a comforting main dish or as a decadent side for any meal.
  • Category: Main Course, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 780
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg

Find it online: https://archersfood.com/french-onion-mac-and-cheese/