Brace yourselves, y’all, because we’re about to unleash an INSANE Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole that will absolutely blow your mind! This epic dish is the ultimate fusion of creamy, cheesy goodness and flavor-packed caramelized onions. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise and leave your guests utterly SHOOK by this revolutionary culinary creation.
Why You’ll Love This Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole
This Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole is an absolute game-changer in the world of comfort food. With its irresistible blend of gooey, melted cheese and the deep, savory sweetness of caramelized onions, this dish is a true taste sensation that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Plus, the satisfying texture of the smashed onions takes this mac and cheese to the next level, making it a must-try for any self-proclaimed foodie. Get ready to indulge in a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
To create this epic Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole, you’ll need a few key ingredients: elbow macaroni, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, and a whole lot of onions (the more, the better!). Together, these ingredients come together to form a truly LEGENDARY dish that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
- 1 lb – Elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup – Unsalted butter, divided
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 3 cups – Whole milk
- 2 cups – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 cup – Grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 tsp – Smoked paprika
- 3 large – Yellow onions, thinly sliced
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: You can swap out the sharp cheddar for a blend of cheeses, like gouda or gruyère, for an even more decadent twist.
- Smoked Paprika: If you’re not a fan of smoked paprika, you can always substitute it with a dash of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.
How to Make Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole
Let’s dive into the steps to create this EPIC Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole!
Step 1: [Prep Work]
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 375°F. Then, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water, bringing it to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Step 2: [Main Cooking Process]
Next, it’s time to tackle those EPIC onions. Slice them up and sauté them in a large skillet with a generous amount of butter until they’re golden brown and caramelized. Once they’re perfectly smashed and bursting with flavor, it’s time to make the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt some more butter and whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and parmesan cheeses, along with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Step 3: [Final Steps/Assembly]
Now, it’s time to bring this INSANE dish together! In a large baking dish, layer the cooked macaroni and the cheesy, onion-packed sauce. Sprinkle some extra parmesan on top for good measure, and then it’s off to the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 4: [Finishing Touches]
When the Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole emerges from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Trust me, the wait will be worth it! This dish is an absolute FEAST for the senses, and you’re about to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you in a state of pure bliss.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Bits: Try adding some crispy bacon bits for an extra EPIC flavor boost.
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top for a touch of herbal freshness.
- Pasta Swap: Experiment with different pasta shapes, like penne or fusilli, for a fun twist on this classic dish.
- Creamy Twist: Add a touch of cream cheese to the cheese sauce for an extra creamy texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh, crisp salad or some warm, crusty bread to soak up all that LEGENDARY cheesy goodness.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, and you can even freeze individual portions for a quick and EPIC meal down the line.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly.
Make-Ahead: You can absolutely assemble this Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Nutrition Information
Indulging in this Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole is an absolute FEAST for the senses, and it’s also packed with some pretty impressive nutritional benefits. Each serving is a rich source of calcium, protein, and carbohydrates, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal. Of course, it’s important to enjoy this dish in moderation, as it is high in calories and fat. But hey, sometimes you just need to SMASH those cravings and live life to the FULLEST!
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 53 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to allow a little extra baking time when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You bet! This dish freezes beautifully. Simply assemble the casserole, let it cool completely, and then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake it as usual.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the combination of sharp cheddar and parmesan is EPIC, you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Try using a blend of cheddar, gouda, and gruyère for an extra creamy and flavorful twist. Just be sure to use a similar amount of total cheese to maintain the perfect gooey consistency.
Can I add any extra ingredients?
Absolutely! This Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole is the perfect canvas for all sorts of LEGENDARY add-ins. Consider topping it with crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. The possibilities are truly ENDLESS when it comes to creating your own unique and EPIC version of this dish.
How do I get the onions perfectly caramelized?
The key to achieving those INSANELY delicious, caramelized onions is to take your time and let them slowly brown and soften. Be sure to slice them thinly and sauté them in a generous amount of butter over medium-low heat. It may take 20-30 minutes, but trust me, the end result is SO worth it. The depth of flavor they add to this dish is simply LEGENDARY.
Try These Next
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- Creamy Chili Mac And Cheese Casserole
- Truffle Mac And Cheese Bliss
Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Smashed Onion Mac and Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy delight with a savory onion twist. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 large onion, diced
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until golden brown.
4. 4. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, sautéed onions, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with breadcrumbs.
6. 6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Notes
For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or herbs. This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, casserole, comfort food