Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Caramelized Onions and Bacon

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add elbow macaroni dry to boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
3. Drain macaroni and set aside.
4. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add bacon strips.
5. Cook bacon until crispy, about 5 minutes, then remove and drain on paper towels.
6. In the same skillet with bacon fat, add sliced yellow onion and cook over medium-low heat.
7. Stir onions occasionally and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 15 minutes.
8. Add minced garlic clove to onions and cook for 1 minute more, then remove from heat.
9. In a separate saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
10. Whisk in all purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
11. Gradually whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
12. Cook sauce until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
13. Remove sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
14. Season cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
15. Add cooked macaroni, caramelized onions with garlic, and chopped crispy bacon to the cheese sauce.
16. Stir everything gently to combine and heat through for 2 minutes.
17. Serve creamy macaroni and cheese hot.