Best Mac & Cheese Recipes: Rich & Creamy Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Recipe With Peas & Pearl Onions Pasta Side Dishes

Magic happens when you add simple green peas and pearl onions to a creamy cheddar macaroni and cheese. If you want to make the macaroni and cheese recipe even more decadent, you could stir in some crisp, crumbled bacon. Who wouldn't love that? What a great side dish or pasta dinner idea, in no time at all. 

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

• 1 pound elbow pasta or cavatappi
• 2 cups frozen pearl onions
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups grated cheddar cheese 
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 cups frozen green peas, thawed

Topping (Optional)

• 1 cup panko
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Here's how to make it:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and pearl onions. Cook until pasta is al dente and onions are tender. Drain. 
2. Melt the butter in a large pot. Add the milk, eggs, cheese, mustard and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until cheese has melted and sauce is thick, about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Add the pasta, onions and peas. Stir to combine and heat through. It can be served now unless you are adding the panko topping. 
4. If making the topping, pour the macaroni and cheese into a casserole dish. Combine the melted butter and panko. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese. Bake in a preheated 400-degree F oven for about 10 minutes or until topping is golden brown. 

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