Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Baked Macaroni
Creamy, cheesy macaroni with deeply caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère, baked to bubbly perfection.
Total: 60 minPrep: 20 minCook: 40 min6 servingsDifficulty: Medium⭐ 4.7 (150+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- 3 In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized, about 20 minutes.
- 4 In another pot, whisk flour into milk and cream, cooking over medium heat until thickened.
- 5 Remove from heat, stir in Gruyère, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
- 6 Combine macaroni and caramelized onions in a baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over top.
- 7 Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan, sprinkle over macaroni.
- 8 Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- 9 Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Whisk
Variations
- Add cooked diced ham for a ham and cheese twist.
- Substitute Gruyère with cheddar for a classic taste.
Substitutions
- If Gruyère is unavailable, use Swiss or Emmental cheese.
Pairings
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted vegetables
Nutrition
Calories:
550 kcal
Fat:
30g fat
Carbs:
45g carbohydrates
Protein:
20g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
8g sugar
Sodium:
600mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, sauté onions in a mix of butter and olive oil.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even browning of onions.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat covered in a 350°F oven.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh green salad.
- Pairs well with garlic bread on the side.
FAQ
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheese.