Hearty French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe To Impress Others

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry jumbo elbow macaroni
• 1/2 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices (12 slices total)
• 7 ounces (198 grams) Gruyere cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 7 ounces (198 grams) aged cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 1 can (12 ounces / 354 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 2 1/2 cups (591 milliliters) whole milk, room temperature
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 4 cups sweet onions, julienned
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup crispy fried onions
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons flour