French Onion Mac & Cheese

Yield: 6-8

Author: Sistersnacking

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French Onion Mac & Cheese

Two of the world's most cozy foods, french onion soup + mac and cheese come together for the perfect combo...french onion mac and cheese. This is a showstopping holiday side that's elevates a classic to the next level!

Ingredients

• 1 box Lumache Pasta
• 3 large Validia Onions, halved and sliced thin
• 6 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Cognac
• 1/4 cup Beef Broth
• Thyme
• Salt & Pepper
• 3 cups Gruyere cheese, grated fresh
• 3 cups Sharp/Mild Cheddar, grated fresh
• 4 cups Milk
• 3 tbsp Flour
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1/4 a Baguette, sliced (or any bread) = about 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan + extra for topping
• 1 whole Garlic clove

Instructions

1. ONIONS: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat and 1 tbsp olie oil. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook slowly on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the onions become golden and caramelized, to get a rich deep brown color this can take 2 hours. OR bump up the heat slightly to speed up the cooking process or add a pinch of sugar but you need to watch them carefully. Once the onions are golden or brown, stir in cognac to deglaze the pan, another tbsp of butter, beef broth, a little thyme, salt & pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the liquid evaporates. Set aside B
2. BREADCRUMBS: Toast sliced baguette with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on 375 degrees for maybe 10 minutes until toasted. Transfer to a food processor with 2 tbsp parmesan, and garlic clove and pulse until almost pulverized but be sure to under chop so you get large crumb toppings. You can also use panko if that's easier.
3. CHEESE SAUCE: Melt remaining 3 tbsp of butter in a large dutch oven and add flour cooking off for 5 or so minutes on low heat, stir in half milk to combine then add remaining milk and 2 cups grated gruyere + 2 cups grated cheddar to combine. Finish with nutmeg, dijon, lots of cracked pepper & salt to taste.
4. PASTA: Salt water and cook your full box of pasta 2-3 minutes under suggested cooking time and combine with cheese sauce and 1/2 of caramelized onions...make sure it is saucey because the pasta will continue to soak up the sauce!
5. ASSEMBLE: Layer mixed mac and cheese, remaining caramelized onions, remaining 2 cups of cheese, breadcrumbs, and grated parm and bake at 375 for 20 minutes and broil on low for 5 until breadcrumbs until golden brown
6. Top with flakey salt or fresh chives and enjoy!