French Onion Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• Macaroni (8 ounces)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme))
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
• Onions (2 large, thinly sliced)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
• Milk (2 cups)
• Gruyere cheese (1 cup, shredded)
• Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and garlic, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere and grated Parmesan cheeses until they are melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Meanwhile, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
8. Stir in the chopped thyme, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing until everything is well combined.
9. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle additional cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful fusion dish!