Sweet Onion Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Sweet Onion Mac and Cheese—a decadent twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines creamy, melty sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses with perfectly al dente elbow macaroni, all elevated by the rich sweetness of caramelized onions. Topped with a crispy layer of golden panko breadcrumbs, this baked mac and cheese delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors in every bite. It's easy to prepare, with just 15 minutes of prep time and 35 minutes to bake, making it a satisfying weeknight dinner or an impressive side dish for any occasion. Garnish with fresh thyme for a touch of sophistication, and savor the irresistible combination of cheesy comfort and gourmet flair. Perfect for cheese lovers and easy comfort food seekers alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 large sweet onion
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Thinly slice the sweet onion and add it to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the onion is golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes until a roux forms.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan cheeses. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Step 7

Add the salt and black pepper to the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated, then gently fold in the caramelized onions.

Step 9

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 12

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1748.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4138.4

Total Fat 213.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 611.8mg	0%
Sodium 5912.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 375.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 57.6g
Protein 188.2g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4093.7mg	0%
Iron 18.0mg	0%
Potassium 1688.9mg	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: 46.0%

Protein: 18.0%

Carbs: 35.9%