Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Carmelized Onions

This is a gourmet style mac and cheese. You will love the sweet onions in this dish, with the creamy cheese sauce.

1 (8-ounce) package large elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (16-ounce) block white Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup asiago cheese
32 saltine crackers, finely crushed and divided
6 large eggs
4 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter, melted
top with fresh chopped parsley

Prepare macaroni according to package directions; set aside.

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring often, 15 to 20 minutes or until onions are caramel colored.

Layer half each of cooked macaroni, onions, cheeses, and cracker crumbs in a lightly greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Layer with remaining macaroni, onions, and cheeses.

Whisk together eggs and next 3 ingredients; pour over macaroni mixture.

Stir together remaining half of cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and, if desired, pecans. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni mixture.

Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until golden brown and set. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.