Caramelized Onion Mac & Cheese

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The Castello Bergkäse is a little dry, a little smoky, but very smooth. Brittany Everett knew it wanted to be melted.
By Brittany Everett

Paired with Lost Abbey’s Lost & Found Ale, this was a definite win. The beer is malty and a bit sweet from the raisins it’s brewed with, which worked well with the caramelized onions and the smokiness of the cheese.

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Caramelized Onion Mac & Cheese

 

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Prep Time

30 mins

Cook Time

1 hour

Total Time

1 hour 30 mins

 

The Castello Bergkäse is a little dry, a little smoky, but very smooth. Brittany Everett knew it wanted to be melted.

Author: Brittany Everett

Recipe Type: Main

Cuisine: American

Serves: 8

Ingredients

• olive oil
• 2 medium yellow onions, diced
• kosher salt
• granulated sugar
• 1 pound rigatoni (or pasta of your choice), cooked and drained
• 4 tablespoons butter, plus extra for the baking dish
• 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 4 cups milk, warmed
• pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• freshly ground black pepper
• 4 cups freshly shredded cheese, ½ cup reserved for topping
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Instructions

To caramelize the onions

1. heat a large pan over medium-low heat with enough olive oil to coat the pan.
2. Add the onions and a pinch each of salt and sugar.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are an even golden brown, about 45 minutes. Set aside.

For the Mac n Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and butter a casserole dish (~8x12).
2. In a large pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
3. Whisk in the flour and keep whisking for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
4. Slowly whisk in the heated milk in a few batches, letting each addition get thoroughly combined before adding the next.
5. Add the nutmeg, paprika, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and pepper to taste. Raise the heat, bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for several minutes until thickened slightly.
6. Off the heat, add 3½ cups of cheese to the sauce and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Stir in the caramelized onions and cooked pasta.
7. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
8. In a small bowl combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs and parsley.
9. Sprinkle the pasta with the reserved cheese, then the breadcrumb mixture.
10. Bake until the top is nicely browned, about 25 minutes.

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