Description
Creamy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Mushroom Mac n Cheese elevates classic comfort food with rich, earthy flavors. Gourmet ingredients and a velvety sauce promise a luxurious dining experience that satisfies deep cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) macaroni pasta
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 8 ounces (226 grams) mushrooms, sliced
- 3 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
- Slowly caramelize sliced onions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until they turn deep golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Create a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to form a roux, then gradually incorporate milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps.
- Blend multiple cheese varieties into the sauce, allowing them to melt smoothly and create a complex, velvety texture.
- Fold the caramelized onions into the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution of the sweet, concentrated onion flavor.
- Combine the pasta with the cheese and onion mixture, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle a layer of breadcrumbs over the top for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Broil for 3-4 minutes until breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Enhance the dish’s depth by mixing sharp cheddar, creamy gruyère, and tangy parmesan for a multi-dimensional cheese experience.
- Create a crispy golden topping by sprinkling panko breadcrumbs mixed with a touch of olive oil before broiling to achieve a crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Elevate the caramelized onions by slowly cooking them over low heat for 30-40 minutes, allowing natural sugars to develop a rich, sweet, and deeply complex flavor that will transform the entire dish.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or brown rice pasta and using gluten-free breadcrumbs for the crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg