French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy, cheesy pasta comfort. This indulgent twist on macaroni and cheese is perfect for a cozy dinner that feels both familiar and sophisticated.

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 the 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 thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking for another minute.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
5. Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted. Season with salt and black pepper.
6. Step 6: Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to package instructions, then drain and toss with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions.
7. Step 7: Transfer the macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Step 10: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional thyme if desired, and enjoy hot.

Tips & Variations

• For deeper onion flavor, caramelize the onions slowly on low heat to avoid burning.
• Substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a richer, meatier taste.
• Add a splash of white wine to the roux when whisking in broth for extra depth.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping.
• Try adding cooked bacon or caramelized mushrooms for added texture and 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 to maintain the crispy topping. Microwaving may cause the topping to soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth. Avoid beef or chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, cavatappi, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well.

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni for an indulgent comfort food experience. Featuring a melty blend of Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, topped with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb crust, this baked dish is perfect for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni

Onion Soup Base

• 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)

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Topping

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and help with even browning.
2. Caramelize the onions: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic and thyme for aromatic flavor.
3. Make the roux and sauce base: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook briefly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Add the cheeses and season: Stir in Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheese until they melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked al dente elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
6. Transfer and top: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top to create a crispy topping.
7. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling hot.
8. Rest and serve: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving hot for maximum flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing that deep, rich French onion flavor.
• Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.
• You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if needed, though fresh provides better aroma.
• For extra richness, use full-fat dairy ingredients as specified.
• Breadcrumb topping adds a crispy contrast; use panko for an even crunchier texture.
• Letting the dish rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American

Keywords: French onion soup, mac and cheese, caramelized onions, Gruyère, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy casserole