Recipes
Bacon & Caramelised Onion Mac and Cheese
This Bacon & Caramelised Onion Mac and Cheese takes a classic comfort dish to the next level. With sweet caramelised onions, smoky streaky bacon, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s a restaurant-quality twist on a family favourite.
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
40 mins
Servings:
4–6 people
250g streaky bacon, chopped
350g elbow macaroni (or your favourite pasta shape)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
½ cup cream
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
1 cup sharp cheddar, grated
½ cup Gruyère cheese, grated (or your favourite cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar)
¼ cup Parmesan, grated
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for topping)
Fresh parsley, chives, chopped (for garnish)
Black pepper, to taste
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Caramelise the onions:
Heat 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet. Remove and set aside.
3. Crisp the bacon:
In a separate skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels, reserving 1–2 tbsp bacon fat.
4. Make the cheese sauce:
In the skillet with bacon fat, melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan until fully melted.
5. Combine pasta, bacon, and onions:
Add the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, and caramelised onions to the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat.
6. Add a crunchy topping:
Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
Toss panko breadcrumbs with 1–2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese. Optional: add extra cheese shreds and bacon on top.
Bake 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy.
7. Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and chives, serve hot.
Tip: Can meal prep and add to the freezer to reheat when needed.
