French Onion Mac and Cheese

Steps

1. 1

   Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add the sliced Spanish onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This process can take 30-45 minutes.

   Start 30-minute timer
3. 3

   Add the minced garlic and thyme leaves to the onions and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

   Start 1-minute timer
4. 4

   Deglaze the pan by adding 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

5. 5

   Pour in 1 quart of beef stock and 2 cups of heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. 6

   Bring the liquid to a simmer, then add 1 lb of dry pasta directly into the pot.

7. 7

   Cook the pasta in the liquid, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has thickened into a sauce.

8. 8

   Stir in the shredded Swiss or Gruyère cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

9. 9

   Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if not already in an oven-safe pot. Top with the breadcrumbs and the remaining Parmesan cheese.

10. 10

    Broil or bake at 400°F (200 °C) (200°C (400 °F)) for 5-10 minutes until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and bubbly.

    Start 5-minute timer