French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is a rich and comforting twist on a classic favorite. This dish combines the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions and melted cheese in a creamy pasta bake that’s perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and thyme toward the end.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for a minute until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in vegetable broth, then add milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and well combined. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper.
6. Step 6: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
9. Step 9: Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, and enjoy while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine after caramelizing the onions.
• Substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a richer flavor.
• Use a mix of your favorite cheeses or add a little blue cheese for a tangy twist.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Add cooked bacon or pancetta for an added smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to maintain creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the dish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of Gruyère if I can’t find it?

Emmental or Swiss cheese are great substitutes for Gruyère, as they offer a similar nutty and creamy flavor that melts well.

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 109 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the classic caramelized onion flavor and rich cheese sauce into a comforting baked pasta dish. The sweetness of slowly caramelized onions blends perfectly with Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, topped with a golden breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish delivers all the warmth and flavor of French onion soup in a creamy, cheesy macaroni bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni

Onions & Aromatics

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a suitable baking dish to prepare it for the macaroni and cheese.
2. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh or dried thyme to infuse flavor.
3. Make the Roux and Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for a minute or two. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
4. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce until fully melted. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine with Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain. Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions until evenly coated.
6. Assemble and Top: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and crisp.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional thyme if desired and serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing the sweet, deep flavor essential to this dish.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor.
• For a richer sauce, use whole milk and heavy cream as specified.
• If preferred, substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a more traditional French onion flavor.
• Let the dish rest before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly, making serving easier.
• Breadcrumbs can be seasoned with herbs or a little garlic powder for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired American

Keywords: French onion soup, macaroni and cheese, caramelized onions, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy bake