Imagine diving into a bowl of warm, creamy mac ‘n’ cheese infused with the rich, savory flavors of balsamic caramelized onions and mushrooms. This isn’t your ordinary mac ‘n’ cheese; it’s elevated comfort food, combining the cheesy indulgence you love with the earthy depth of mushrooms and the sweet tang of caramelized onions. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or as a show-stopping side at your next dinner gathering.
Why You’ll Love Balsamic Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Mac ‘n’ Cheese
This dish combines everything you crave in a comforting meal: creamy cheese sauce, hearty pasta, and layers of flavor from the caramelized onions and mushrooms. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed as a main dish or a decadent side. Plus, it’s easy to make and comes together in under an hour, making it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients for Balsamic Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | For caramelizing onions. |
| Unsalted butter | 1 tablespoon + ¼ cup | Divided for various steps. |
| Sweet onion | 1 medium, thinly sliced | Adds sweetness and depth. |
| Button mushrooms | 1½ cups, thinly sliced | Use fresh for the best flavor. |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced | Enhances the mushroom mixture. |
| Balsamic vinegar | ¼ cup | Adds a tangy sweetness to the onions. |
| All-purpose flour | ¼ cup | For thickening the cheese sauce. |
| Half and half cream | ½ cup | Combines with milk for creaminess. |
| Milk | 1½ cups | Forms the base of the cheese sauce. |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 1½ cups | Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor. |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ⅓ cup | Adds nuttiness to the sauce. |
| Elbow macaroni | 1 pound | Cooked according to package instructions. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances flavors. |
| Fresh minced parsley | Optional, for topping | Adds freshness and color. |
How to Make Balsamic Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Mac ‘n’ Cheese
1. Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until they are soft, golden, and caramelized.
- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, letting the vinegar reduce and coat the onions. Set aside.
2. Cook the Mushrooms
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining ¼ cup butter.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–7 minutes until golden and tender.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Combine the mushrooms with the caramelized onions and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- Using the same skillet, sprinkle the flour over the remaining butter and mushrooms to create a roux. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until the flour is slightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the half and half and milk, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken (about 5–7 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Stir the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the caramelized onions and mushrooms, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the pasta.
5. Serve
- Plate the mac ‘n’ cheese and sprinkle with freshly minced parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, flavorful combination of creamy cheese, balsamic onions, and earthy mushrooms.
What Makes This Dish Special?
1. Elevated Comfort Food
This isn’t your basic mac ‘n’ cheese. The addition of balsamic caramelized onions and mushrooms takes it to gourmet status, making it a dish you can proudly serve at gatherings.
2. Rich and Creamy Texture
The cheese sauce is perfectly thick and velvety, coating every bite of pasta with cheesy goodness.
3. Layers of Flavor
The sweetness of the onions, the earthiness of the mushrooms, and the tang of balsamic vinegar create a harmonious balance of flavors.
Tasty Variations and Substitutions
1. Add Protein
- Stir in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage for a heartier meal.
2. Use Different Cheeses
- Swap cheddar and Parmesan for Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina to change up the flavor profile.
3. Gluten-Free Option
- Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
4. Add Vegetables
- Toss in spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrients and color.
5. Spice It Up
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~650 |
| Protein | ~24g |
| Carbohydrates | ~68g |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
FAQs About Balsamic Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Mac ‘n’ Cheese
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions, mushrooms, and cheese sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I freeze mac ‘n’ cheese?
Yes, freeze the assembled (but unbaked) mac ‘n’ cheese in an oven-safe dish for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. What can I use instead of elbow macaroni?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi works well for this recipe.
5. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure the cheeses used do not contain animal rennet.
6. How do I get a crispy topping?
Transfer the mac ‘n’ cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Balsamic caramelized onion and mushroom mac ‘n’ cheese is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich, savory flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.
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Balsamic Caramelized Onion and Mushroom Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy mac ‘n’ cheese featuring balsamiccaramelized onions, earthy mushrooms, and a smooth cheddar-Parmesan sauce,tossed with elbow pasta for the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon and ¼ cup of unsalted butter (separated.)
- 1 medium sweet onion (thinly sliced)
- 1½ cups thinly sliced button mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup half and half cream
- 1½ cups milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni (prepared following the directions on the package.)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh minced parsley (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vinegar to reduce and coat the onions.
Cook the Mushrooms:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining ¼ cup butter and the sliced mushrooms.
- Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the mushrooms are golden and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Set the mushroom mixture aside with the onions.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet (no need to clean it), sprinkle the flour over the remaining butter and mushrooms to create a roux. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the flour is slightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the half and half and milk, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Stir the cooked elbow pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Add the caramelized onions and mushrooms, gently folding them into the pasta.
Serve:
- Serve the mac ‘n’ cheese hot, topped with fresh minced parsley for a pop of color and freshness (optional).
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the caramelized onions, mushrooms, and cheese sauce a day in advance. Combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of milk while reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Customize Your Cheese: Try adding Gruyère, Fontina, or Gouda for a different flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American