Balsamic Caramelized Onion Mushroom Mac 'n' Cheese
Balsamic caramelized onions and flavorful mushrooms are a winning combo in this creamy, insanely cheesy mac 'n' cheese! Perfect weeknight comfort food.
Servings 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 1-1/2 cups thinly sliced button mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup half and half cream
- 1-1/2 cups milk
- 1-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz elbow pasta, cooked according to package instructions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh minced parsley for topping, optional
Instructions
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter until pan is shimmery. Add onions and let cook, stirring occasionally until onions are a deep caramelized color, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add mushrooms to pan and saute an additional 3-4 minutes or until mushrooms are softened. Add garlic and balsamic and saute 1 minute until fragrant. Scrape onion/mushroom mixture into a bowl and set aside.
- In same skillet over medium heat, melt remaining 1/4 cup butter. Whisk in flour until completely smooth and let cook 1 minute until golden brown. Slowly whisk in half and half and milk until mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until sauce is bubbly and thickened.
- Remove sauce from heat and whisk in cheeses until melted. Add cooked pasta and onion/mushroom mixture and stir until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake mac 'n' cheese in oven-safe skillet or a greased 9x13 baking dish at 375F 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Top with parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!