Caramelized Onion and White Cheddar Mac
Indulge in this irresistible easy-level comfort food that serves 6. Ready in 1 hour total (30 minutes active). Per serving: Calories 1127, Total Fat 58g, Saturated Fat 30g, Carbohydrates 110g, Dietary Fiber 5g, Sugars 13g, Protein 42g, Cholesterol 144mg, Sodium 1077mg.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds macaroni
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves removed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, plus 2 tablespoons melted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded white Cheddar
- 4 ounces white processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed
- 4 ounces crumbled goat cheese
- 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400F and get ready to create kitchen magic.
- Cook macaroni in boiling water to al dente per package directions. Drain and set asidethis is your creamy canvas.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, crisp up the bacon, turning often, for about 10 minutes. Reserve 2 tablespoons bacon fat, discard the rest, and set bacon aside.
- Back in the skillet, saut garlic, onions, and thyme with salt and pepper over medium-low heat until gloriously golden and caramelized, 12-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, craft the velvety cheese sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer, stirring, until thick and bubbly, 8-10 minutes.
- Melt in shredded Cheddar and processed cheese cubes. Season to tastepure cheesy bliss awaits.
- Toss cooked macaroni into the sauce until fully coated.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the caramelized onions, then half the mac. Repeat, and scatter goat cheese on top.
- Chop bacon and mix with panko, oregano, rosemary, melted butter, and salt. Sprinkle generously for that irresistible crunch.
- Bake until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes. Your new favorite mac is readydig in and savor every decadent bite!
