Add protein and some wonderful flavor to that boring mac and cheese. It's so good, you won't have any leftovers, so be prepared.
Caramelized Onions:
2 medium yellow onions, diced
2 T. olive oil
2 T. unsalted butter
1 t. sea salt
½ t. black pepper
Mac and Cheese:
16 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked al dente and drained
½ c. unsalted butter
½ c. all-purpose flour
2 c. whole milk, warmed
1 c. beef stock
2 t. salt
½ t. ground mustard powder
¼ t. garlic powder
¼ t. cayenne pepper, optional
1 c. sharp gruyere cheese, freshly shredded
½ c. mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
Topping:
salt and pepper, to taste
¼ c. Gruyere cheese, shredded
fresh thyme, chopped, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook macaroni to al dente in well salted boiling water according to package directions; drain.
Caramelized Onions:
While macaroni is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot; add oil, butter and onions. Turn heat to low; cover; cook 25-30 minutes until onions are softened. Turn heat to medium; cook until onions are golden brown, stirring occasionally. Cover; remove from heat; set aside.
Mac and Cheese:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter; add flour; whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes or until mixture turns light brown. Remove from heat; gradually pour in warmed milk and beef stock, whisking constantly.
Return pan to the heat; whisk 3-5 minutes or until thickened. Add salt, garlic powder, ground mustard and cayenne pepper; stir to combine. Add cheeses and onion mixture; stir until all cheese is melted.
Pour sauce over the top of the cooked elbow macaroni; stir to combine. Add shredded rotisserie chicken; stir until mixed.
Topping:
Top macaroni mixture with shredded Gruyere cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Bake uncovered, for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serve garnished with chopped thyme.
8 servings.