White Cheddar Chipotle Macaroni & Cheese with Caramelized Onions

I am in love with the smoky flavor that Chipotle Chiles add to a dish.  I knew I wanted to make a Chipotle Macaroni & Cheese, but wasn't sure what flavor to pair the Chipotle pepper with. Then it hit me... Caramelized Onions.  I think that the hotness of the Chile peppers pairs nicely with the sweet onions and the creamy white cheddar.  If you've never used Chipotle Chiles they come in a can and you'll just use a little bit of it.  If you're interested, I have another post that uses them, and I tell you what I do with the leftovers.  You can find it here at the end of the recipe.  Hope everyone has a great weekend!

White Cheddar Chipotle Macaroni & Cheese with Caramelized Onions


For the Onions:
2  tablespoons butter
1  tablespoon olive oil
1  large onion, halved and THINLY sliced
2  tablespoons sugar


The rest of the ingredients:
8 ounces Penne Pasta (I use Penne because I think it pairs nicely with the onions which are about the same length.)
1/4  cup butter
1/2  teaspoon minced garlic
1/2  Chipotle pepper, diced fine 
1  teaspoon Chipotle sauce from the can of Chilies
1/4  cup flour
2  cups milk
2  cups White Cheddar Cheese (8 ounces), shredded


For the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat melt the butter and add the olive oil.  Add your onions and saute for a few minutes until they begin to get soft.  Add the 2 tablespoons sugar and turn the heat down a little.  Continue cooking for about 20 minutes until they are a golden brown.  Drain any excess oil and set aside to cool.  (I take mine out and place on a couple of paper towels to absorb any excess oil.)


Cook pasta in salted water until al dente.  Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Add the minced garlic, diced Chipotle and sauce.  Cook for a minute until fragrant.  Add your flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes.  Slowly add milk and bring to a boil and simmer for a minute until it thickens.  Remove from the heat and add the cheese a handful at a time stirring until melted.  Add the caramelized onions and pasta and mix thoroughly.


Place in a baking dish and bake at 375 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.


Enjoy!


Kim

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