Macaroni au Gratin

Amounts and times written inside the steps are for the original quantity.

1. 01
   Cook macaroni in a 6-qt. saucepan of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain and transfer to a bowl. Stir in 2 tbsp. butter; set aside.
2. 02
   Heat oven to 375°.
3. 03
   Add remaining butter to pan; melt over medium-high. Cook minced onion until golden, 6–8 minutes. Stir in flour; cook 3 minutes.
4. 04
   Stud remaining onion half with cloves and bay leaves and add to pan.
5. 05
   Add milk; boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 5–7 minutes.
6. 06
   Strain sauce through a fine-mesh sieve over macaroni. Stir in three-quarters of the cheese, the nutmeg, salt, and pepper; transfer to a 9" x 13" baking dish.
7. 07
   Top with remaining cheese and the bread crumbs; bake until golden and bubbly, 40–45 minutes.

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