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Cheesy Does It Mac & Cheese

Macaroni and cheese with roasted garlic, caramelized onion, and bacon topped with fried onion crisp breadcrumbs: This indulgent mac and cheese is elevated with a rich, four-cheese sauce, savory caramelized onions, and aromatic roasted garlic. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs and crumbled bacon, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American Classic
Keyword Bacon, Caramelized onions, Cheese, Macaroni & Cheese, Pasta
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 10
Author Chef Cameron

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

  • 1 lb Macaroni pasta
  • 8 oz Sharp cheddar shredded
  • 8 oz Gruyere cheese shredded
  • 4 oz Fontina cheese shredded
  • 4 oz Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 8 oz Cream cheese
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 1 tsp Salt

For the toppings

  • 6 slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 Onion thinly sliced
  • 1 head Garlic
  • 1 Tbsp Oil
  • ¼ cup Onion crisps
  • ¼ cup Breadcrumbs

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.

Roast the Garlic:

  • Cut off the tip of the garlic head, exposing the garlic tops.
  • Place the garlic in aluminum foil and some oil on it along with a sprinkle of salt.
  • Wrap the garlic cloves in aluminum foil and roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.

Make the Breadcrumb Topping:

  • In a food processor blend the onion crisps until it looks like bread crumbs.
  • Then mix with the actual breadcrumbs

Cook the Pasta:

  • Cook the macaroni according to package directions, then drain.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  • In a large saucepan, combine the cream cheese and milk over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth and melted.
  • Add the roasted garlic and blend until smooth
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, fontina cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Combine and Bake:

  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  • Stir in the caramelized onions and crumbled bacon.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Top with the crispy breadcrumbs.
  • Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.