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French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavor of classic French onion soup with the creamy, cheesy indulgence of mac and cheese. This fusion casserole features slowly caramelized onions, a smooth cheese sauce made with Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella, and a crunchy breadcrumb-Parmesan topping baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting meal that delivers warmth, depth, and a delightful textural contrast.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni

Onions and Aromatics

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

Cheese Sauce

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

Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter or grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 25-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become deeply golden and caramelized. Stir in minced garlic and thyme towards the end to release their fragrance.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with onions. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for a minute until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
  4. Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in the Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella until fully melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Prepare the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and immediately toss the pasta in the cheese sauce along with the caramelized onions to combine evenly.
  6. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle liberally over the top to create a crunchy crust.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve hot for a comforting, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for the best sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
  • Use a mix of cheeses (Gruyère, cheddar, mozzarella) for complex, layered flavor.
  • Bake uncovered to keep the breadcrumb topping crispy and golden.
  • Let the finished dish rest for a few minutes to thicken the sauce before serving.

Keywords: French onion mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food fusion, caramelized onion pasta, gourmet mac and cheese

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/french-onion-soup-mac-and-cheese-recipe/