Prepare to transform the classic comfort food into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! This Caramelized Onion and Prosciutto Mac and Cheese isn't just another pasta dish—it's a sophisticated journey of rich, complex flavors that elevates the humble mac and cheese to a gourmet experience. Imagine sweet, golden caramelized onions mingling with crispy, salty prosciutto, all embraced by a creamy, luxurious cheese sauce that will make you forget every ordinary mac and cheese you've ever tasted.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces prosciutto, chopped
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized. The slow cooking process will develop a rich, sweet flavor.
- Add chopped prosciutto to the caramelized onions and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the prosciutto to become slightly crisp and release its savory flavors.
- In a separate saucepan, warm milk over medium heat. Do not let it boil. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir to combine and ensure even distribution of spices.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, then fold in the caramelized onions and prosciutto, ensuring everything is well combined.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. For extra richness, you can top with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs and briefly broil until golden.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Serve hot and enjoy the complex flavors of caramelized onions and salty prosciutto.
Tips
- Patience is key when caramelizing onions—cook them slowly on medium-low heat to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning.
- Use high-quality cheddar cheese for the best melting consistency and richness. Aged cheddar provides more intense flavor.
- Don't rush the cheese sauce—add cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth texture.
- For extra crispiness, consider topping the mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs or briefly broiling before serving.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute some milk with low-fat milk or use a blend of cheeses.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
