Caramelized Onion Mac ’n’ Cheese

Yield:

6 to 8 servings

Instructions

First, prepare the onions. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat, then add the onions along with the sugar and 1½ teaspoons salt. Cook, stirring and turning often, until onions release their juices and begin to turn golden, 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring often, until onions turn golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes more. Set aside.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°. Cook your pasta in a large pot of boiling, well-salted water until tender to the bite, 7 to 12 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander.

In another large frying pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle with flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Whisk in wine until smooth, then whisk in cream. Sprinkle in cheese, one large handful at a time, stirring until the mixture is smooth before adding the next handful. Add mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Add the cooked pasta and the caramelized onions to the cheese mixture, stirring until evenly combined, then pour all into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

In a food processor, pulse bread with remaining 1½ tablespoons butter. Pulse until coarse bread crumbs form. Sprinkle bread crumbs over pasta and cheese, and bake until the top is browned and the cheese is bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot