CARAMELIZED ONION MACARONI AND CHEESE

CARAMELIZED ONION MACARONI AND CHEESE image

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 (8-ounce) package large elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (16-ounce) block white Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese
32 saltine crackers, finely crushed and divided
6 large eggs
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Steps:

Prepare macaroni according to package directions; set aside. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring often, 15 to 20 minutes or until onions are caramel colored. Layer half each of cooked macaroni, onions, cheeses, and cracker crumbs in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Layer with remaining macaroni, onions, and cheeses. Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients; pour over macaroni mixture. Stir together remaining half of cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and, if desired, pecans. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni mixture. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until golden brown and set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Yield: Makes 8 to 10 servings