Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with some butter to prevent sticking. This will be the cozy home for your macaroni and cheese!

2. Step 2

   In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the sliced sweet onions, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir them together and let them cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a beautiful caramel color, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. If the mixture seems too dry, feel free to add another tablespoon of butter to keep things nice and moist. Once done, set the caramelized onions aside.

3. Step 3

   While the onions are cooking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook it until it's al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and cover it to keep it warm while you prepare the cheese sauce.

4. Step 4

   In a small skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the plain bread crumbs and toast them lightly for a few minutes, stirring constantly until they are golden brown. This will add a delightful crunch to your dish!

5. Step 5

   Now, let's make the cheese sauce! In a large pot, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Dissolve the dried mustard in a bit of water and add it to the pot along with the minced garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and cook it until it turns golden, which should take about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer while stirring constantly until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.

6. Step 6

   Once your sauce is thickened, remove the pot from the heat and stir in the grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until they melt into a creamy goodness. Add the caramelized onions and season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fold in the drained macaroni until everything is well combined.

7. Step 7

   Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and top it with the toasted bread crumbs. This will give your dish a lovely golden crust when baked!

8. Step 8

   Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Once it's out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully and make it easier to serve.