Ep. 13 | Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese with Caramelized Onion Jam

Ingredients:

Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

• 1 lb of pasta
• 8 oz of aged sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz of Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 8 oz of fontina cheese, shredded
• 4 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• 3 cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• 1/8 tsp of nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1 tsp of mustard powder

For the Crunchy Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 oz of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste

For the Caramelized Onion and Garlic Jam:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

   • Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
   • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in flour to form a smooth roux.
   • Warm milk and heavy cream in a separate pan. Gradually whisk into the roux until smooth. Continue cooking until thickened.
   • Lower heat and stir in cream cheese until fully incorporated. Gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until melted. Stir in salt, nutmeg, and mustard powder.

2. Caramelized Onion and Garlic Jam:

   • Heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook onions and garlic slowly until caramelized.
   • Add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened into a jam-like consistency.

3. Crunchy Cheese Topping:

   • Combine Panko breadcrumbs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

4. Assembly:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
   • Spread a layer of cheese sauce on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of pasta and a thin layer of caramelized onion and garlic jam.
   • Continue layering cheese sauce, pasta, and jam, finishing with a layer of cheese sauce.
   • Sprinkle with the crunchy cheese topping.
   • Bake for about 25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
   • Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and innovative Mac & Cheese with Caramelized Onion Jam!