French Onion Mac and Cheese with Bacon

French Onion Mac and Cheese with Bacon

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Introduction

French Onion Mac and Cheese with Bacon combines the comforting richness of macaroni and cheese with the savory flavors of French onion soup, enhanced by the crispy, smoky addition of bacon. This dish elevates traditional mac and cheese into a gourmet experience, blending creamy, cheesy pasta with caramelized onions and bacon bits. It’s perfect for those seeking a decadent, flavorful twist on classic comfort food.

What’s Unique About This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it incorporates the deep, rich flavors of caramelized onions, reminiscent of French onion soup, into the creamy texture of mac and cheese. The addition of crispy bacon offers a delightful contrast in texture and a smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions. The dish is topped with a layer of toasted breadcrumbs and grated cheese, creating a gratin-like crust that’s golden and crispy.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Nutrition

Each serving of French Onion Mac and Cheese with Bacon approximately contains:

  • Calories: 620
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Protein: 30g

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the onions to the bacon fat and cook over low heat until deeply caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Remove and set aside with bacon.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  3. Gradually add the milk and beef broth, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in the thyme, Gruyère, and half of the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

  1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and cheese sauce until well combined.
  2. Transfer to a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Serving Tips

Serve this French Onion Mac and Cheese hot from the oven, ideally with a side of fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a little milk if the mac and cheese seems dry.

This dish is a fantastic combination of familiar comfort and gourmet flair, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering where you want to impress your guests. The layers of flavor from the onions, cheese, and bacon make each bite deeply satisfying.

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