Caramelized Onion and White Cheddar Mac

  4.7 – 15 reviews  • Onion Recipes
Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr
Active: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 1/2 pounds macaroni
  2. 8 slices bacon
  3. 4 cloves garlic, minced
  4. 2 large yellow onions, sliced thin
  5. 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
  6. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  7. 4 tablespoons salted butter plus 2 tablespoons, melted
  8. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  9. 3 cups whole milk
  10. 1/3 cup heavy cream
  11. 2 cups shredded white Cheddar
  12. 4 ounces white processed cheese, such as Velveeta, cubed
  13. 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
  14. 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
  15. 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  16. 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Cook the macaroni in boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
  3. Fry the bacon in a dry skillet over medium heat, turning several times, until almost crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. Pour away all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease. Return the skillet to the heat and add the garlic, onions and thyme. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook over medium-low heat until the onions are golden and caramelized, 12 to 15 minutes.
  4. While the onions cook, make the cheese sauce for the macaroni. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking to combine. Cook the flour, stirring, for a minute or so. Continue to whisk as you add the milk, then the heavy cream. Cook until thick and bubbling, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the Cheddar and processed cheese, stirring until completely melted. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the cooked macaroni until completely coated.
  5. Add half of the onion mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the macaroni mixture. Repeat with another layer of onions and the remaining macaroni mixture. Dot the top with the goat cheese.
  6. Chop the bacon and toss with the panko breadcrumbs, oregano, rosemary, melted butter and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the top of the dish. Bake until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 6 servings
Calories 1148
Total Fat 59 g
Saturated Fat 31 g
Carbohydrates 112 g
Dietary Fiber 6 g
Sugar 14 g
Protein 42 g
Cholesterol 149 mg
Sodium 1042 mg

Reviews

Courtney Doyle
I made this for Xmas dinner and everyone raved about it.  My mother’s bday is coming up and she asked me to make it again for her!  It’s so good!!!
Edwin Garcia
Made as directed and it was delicious!  Next time would put in a little less macaroni to make the casserole creamier after baking.  Makes a TON!!!
Jeffrey Gonzales
I like mine a bit cheesier- so I added a bit more!  Otherwise, flavors are on point!  Ree, you did it again!  Delish! 
Jacob Estes
Made my house smell so good!! I will definitely be making this again!!

 

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