Truffled French Onion Mac and Cheese is a decadent, creamy, and rich dish that will stick to your bones. And that’s just the reason I created this recipe using Jarlsberg cheese.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Jarlsberg Cheese, but as always, opinions are my own, as well as my love for cheese.
Seriously guys, this stuff is so crazy good you’ll be eating it with your hands! The creamy Jarlsberg cheese sauce and al dente pasta topped with sweet, caramelized onions and panko breadcrumbs make this an over the top dish that your guests will crave seconds and thirds for!
What makes this dish even more delightful is the use of truffle oil, both in the sauce and as a finishing element of the dish. Earthy truffles, fragrant and mouthwatering, elevate your classic mac and cheese to the next level.
Inspired by Jarlsberg’s love for travel and culture, I decided to go with the French theme, and there’s nothing more French than French Onion Soup and truffle oil, right? If you’ve never used truffle oil, it’s safe to warn you that a little goes a long way! The cheese sauce is flavored with truffle oil, making this truffled French onion mac and cheese recipe stand out above any other.
What makes a great macaroni and cheese? Well, the cheese sauce of course! My favorite way to start is with a roux, which is the combination of a melted fat and flour. Anything from butter to coconut oil can be used for the fat, as well as whatever flour you’ve got on hand. I’ve even used quinoa and sweet potato flours in previous roux. Once you’ve cooked this mixture together, you’ll drizzle in whole milk/cream/half and half/evaporated milk and whisk until it thickens. This is your cream base, to which you then add cheese and seasonings!
Can we talk a little about caramelized onions, pretty please? First of all, caramelized onions can’t be rushed. No way around it, you’ll be sweating these onions and cooking them slowly over low-medium heat for around 30 minutes. Thinly slice them for even cooking and stir every 5 minutes, to get even coloring all over. The transformation from raw onion flavor to sweet, silky onions is magic before your eyes. Now, let’s get cooking with Jarlsberg!
I hope you love this truffled French onion mac and cheese as much as I do!
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups evaporated or whole milk
- 2 cups Jarlsberg cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons white pepper
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 pound campenelle or your favorite short-shaped pasta
- Over medium heat in a sauce pot, melt butter and oil and toss thinly sliced onions in. Stir every few minutes to caramelize, which will take about 30-40 minutes.
- Cook pasta as directed on package.
- In a smaller pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook for two minutes and slowly whisk in the milk. Once thickened, whisk in cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and truffle oil.
- Toss caramelized onions with panko.
- Stir cheese sauce into cooked pasta and place in casserole dish. Top with panko and caramelized onions.
- Place in oven set to broil for 3 minutes to crisp topping. Serve alongside a salad or just have a big bowl of it!
Need more cheesy inspiration? Be sure to check out the links below:
Kicked Up Mac & Cheese by Bunkycooks
Grilled Jarlsberg with Shaved Asparagus and Arugula Pesto by Panini Happy
Mac Attack Interview with Cheese Expert, Laura Werlin
Jarlsberg Cheese Souffle by La Fuji Mama
Oh my goodness! I love this mac attack with Jarlsberg. How can I resist. It’s so hard to stay away from this post. I’m bookmarking this one and will try to make it soon. Thanks for the recipe. Have fun at the IACP, dear Nelly!
Looks ridonc – great recipe marnely! Xx
OH MY WORD! This looks amazing!!!!!
I love when you talk about caramelized onions!!! WOW, you have taken mac n’cheese to a whole different dimension, and I love it!!! Gorgeous, Hugs, Terra
Amazing!!! Making a gluten-free version of this for sure!
So wonderful, I pinned this: http://pinterest.com/pin/33495590950921096/ (you need pin buttons!)
Nothing I love more than a good mac and cheese. Looks amazing, Marnely!
YUMMMMMMMMM Can I have a plate of this?