Balsamic Caramelized Onion Mushroom Mac (Print Version)
Rich caramelized onions and mushrooms meld with creamy cheese over macaroni for an extra savory twist.
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta Base
01 -
1 pound elbow pasta, cooked according to package instructions
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
02 -
1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
03 -
1 1/2 cups button mushrooms, thinly sliced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
Fresh minced parsley for topping, optional
→ Fats and Oils
06 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
07 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
08 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter
→ Dairy and Cheeses
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
→ Other
13 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
14 -
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
15 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until shimmering. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized, about 20 minutes.
02 -
Add mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and balsamic vinegar, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer onion and mushroom mixture to a bowl and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter. Whisk in flour until a smooth paste forms; cook for 1 minute until golden. Gradually whisk in half and half and milk, stirring constantly until sauce is smooth. Simmer until thickened and bubbly.
04 -
Remove skillet from heat. Add shredded cheddar and Parmesan, whisking until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
05 -
Fold in cooked pasta and the reserved onion-mushroom mixture until well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
06 -
Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or keep in the oven-safe skillet. Bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired. Serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
Caramelizing onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.