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Creamy macaroni and cheese casserole with crispy topping and fresh herbs.

French Onion Mac And Cheese

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 760 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper divided
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 pound rigatoni or cavatappi
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 12 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil.
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  • Add the sliced onions to the skillet.
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  • Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
    Thinly sliced onions in a stainless steel skillet, seasoned with salt and black pepper.
  • Cook the onions over medium-low heat, stirring often, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 40 minutes.
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  • Stir in the fresh thyme leaves during the last few minutes of cooking. Set aside.
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  • While the onions are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
    Cooked macaroni pasta in a stainless steel pot, ready for baking or cooking.
  • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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  • Preheat your oven to 425°F.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
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  • Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
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  • Slowly whisk in the whole milk until the mixture is smooth.
  • Stir in the dry mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
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  • Keep cooking the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, around 5 minutes.
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  • Take the sauce off the heat. Set aside 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese for topping. Then, stir in the rest of the shredded Gruyère and cheddar cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
    Creamy cheese sauce cooking in a red cast iron skillet with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Combine cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well to coat evenly.
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.
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  • Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the pasta, followed by the remaining cheese.
    Creamy macaroni and cheese casserole with shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  • Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to help brown the top.
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  • Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
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Nutrition

Calories: 760kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 35gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 23gSodium: 1020mgFiber: 2g
Keyword French Onion Mac and Cheese
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