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 elevates a classic to the next level!

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

1 box Lumache Pasta, or shape of your choosing
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
3.5 cups Gruyere cheese, grated fresh
3.5 cups Sharp/Mild Cheddar, grated fresh
3 1/2 cups Whole 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

Preparation

1
ONIONS: In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-low heat and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced onions and 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'll 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 leave large crumbs. 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 of the milk to combine then add remaining milk and 2.5 cups grated gruyere + 2.5 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 the 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 minutes until breadcrumbs are until golden brown.
6
Top with flakey salt and/or fresh chives and enjoy!