Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Elevate your comfort food game with this indulgent Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions—a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish packed with rich flavor and gourmet flair. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a luxurious blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and salty Parmesan cheeses, all smothered in a velvety béchamel sauce. The pièce de résistance? Golden, melt-in-your-mouth caramelized onions that infuse every bite with sweetness and depth. Topped with a crisp layer of buttery panko breadcrumbs, this oven-baked masterpiece strikes the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy textures. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or satisfying a comfort food craving, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it as a hearty main course or a decadent side—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams Elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 2 large Yellow onions
• 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the caramelized onions. Peel and thinly slice the yellow onions.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the sliced onions and granulated sugar, stirring to coat evenly. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar, gruyère, and grated Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with salt and ground black pepper.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or butter.

Step 8

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and caramelized onions. Mix well to evenly coat the pasta.

Step 9

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your macaroni and cheese with caramelized onions!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1997.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5260.3

Total Fat 299.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 171.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.9g
Cholesterol 862.6mg	0%
Sodium 6584.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 427.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.2g	0%
Total Sugars 58.4g
Protein 206.4g	0%

Vitamin D 286.7IU	0%
Calcium 4261.1mg	0%
Iron 20.4mg	0%
Potassium 1541.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.5%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 32.7%