French Onion Macaroni and Cheese

Name: French Onion Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: Macaroni and Cheese; 1 pound uncooked dried cavatappi pasta; 1 Half Stick (1/4 cup) Land O Lakes® Butter; 2 pounds (8 cups) yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon kosher salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk; 1 (8-ounce) package (2 cups) Land O Lakes® Creamy Italian Blend Cheese Chunk shredded; 1 (8-ounce) package (2 cups) Land O Lakes® Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese Chunk shredded, divided; Topping; 6 cups French bread cubes, cut or torn into 1-inch cubes; 1 Half Stick (1/4 cup) Land O Lakes® Butter melted; Additional fresh thyme, if desired

French onion is a trending flavor and lends itself well to this indulgent mac and cheese. The buttery crouton topping takes it next level. Great as a meal or as a side dish.

What's this?

What is this button?

You now are able to shop & buy these ingredients online! After you select your market, you decide if you want to have your items delivered or picked up today!

Learn How it Works...

15 min

Prep Time

1 hr 20 min

Total Time

servings

Get started!

Keep screen on.

Ingredients

Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound uncooked dried cavatappi pasta

1 Half Stick (1/4 cup) Land O Lakes® Butter

2 pounds (8 cups) yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 ¹/₂ teaspoons fresh thyme

1 teaspoon pepper

1 bay leaf

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

1 (8-ounce) package (2 cups) Land O Lakes® Creamy Italian Blend Cheese Chunk, shredded

1 (8-ounce) package (2 cups) Land O Lakes® Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese Chunk, shredded, divided

Topping

6 cups French bread cubes, cut or torn into 1-inch cubes

1 Half Stick (1/4 cup) Land O Lakes® Butter, melted

Additional fresh thyme, if desired

How to make

STEP 1

Cook pasta in medium stockpot to just al dente according to package directions; drain. Set aside.
STEP 2

Meanwhile, heat oven to 450°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
STEP 3

Melt 1/4 cup butter in large stockpot over medium heat. Add onions, salt, 1 1/2 teaspoons thyme, pepper and bay leaf. Cover; cook, stirring occasionally, 6-8 minutes or until onions are softened. Uncover; cook, stirring frequently, 35 minutes or until deep golden brown.
STEP 4

Once onions are deep golden brown, discard bay leaf. Deglaze pan with vinegar and Worcestershire sauce, scraping browned bits from bottom of pan, 30 seconds or until evaporated. Add flour; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Add milk, 1 cup at a time, stirring to incorporate after each addition. Bring to a simmer, stirring often.
STEP 5

Stir Creamy Italian cheese and 1 cup Cheddar cheese into caramelized onion mixture until cheeses are melted. Stir in cooked pasta to coat. Spread pasta mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
STEP 6

Toss bread cubes with melted butter; scatter evenly over pasta, pressing lightly to stick. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup Cheddar cheese. Bake 10-12 minutes or until bread cubes begin to brown and sauce is bubbling around edges. Cool 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh thyme, if desired.