Balsamic Caramelized Onion Mac (Printable View)

Tender macaroni baked with caramelized onions, mushrooms, cheddar, and a hint of balsamic for rich flavor.

# Ingredient List:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
04 - 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, thinly sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
08 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 1/2 cup half and half cream
10 - 1 1/2 cups milk
11 - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 1 pound elbow pasta, cooked
14 - Salt to taste
15 - Black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

16 - Fresh minced parsley for topping (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, combine olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. When melted and shimmering, add thinly sliced sweet onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
02 - Add sliced button mushrooms to the caramelized onions. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until mushrooms are softened. Add minced garlic and balsamic vinegar; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Using a spatula, transfer the onion-mushroom mixture to a bowl and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour continuously until a smooth paste forms. Cook the roux for 1 minute until it turns lightly golden.
04 - Slowly pour in the half and half cream and milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Continue cooking until sauce thickens and bubbles form on the surface.
05 - Remove skillet from heat. Whisk in shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until thoroughly melted. Fold in the cooked elbow pasta and reserved onion-mushroom mixture. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
06 - Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish or keep in the oven-safe skillet. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
07 - Sprinkle with fresh minced parsley if desired. Serve warm.

# Supplementary Details:

01 - For softer pasta, slightly undercook initially as it will continue baking in the oven.

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