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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 637 reviews

This French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring caramelized onions, tender orzo pasta, and a creamy blend of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Slow-cooked onions provide a rich base, complemented by fragrant thyme and a touch of balsamic vinegar. The dish is finished in the oven for a bubbly, golden cheesy crust, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Onion Base:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the Orzo and Cheese:

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese), divided
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often until they are deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking develops the rich flavor essential for the dish.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, then deglaze the pan by adding the balsamic vinegar. Stir thoroughly to lift any flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Mix in the dry orzo pasta, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce heat slightly, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in half of the Gruyère and half of the mozzarella cheese to the orzo mixture, creating a creamy texture. Then sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet directly to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the dish to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, then serve warm for a rich, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Using low sodium beef broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better.
  • Be patient when caramelizing onions to develop maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • If you don’t have Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
  • This bake can be prepared in an oven-safe skillet, but if unavailable, transfer contents to a baking dish before baking.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: French Onion, Orzo Bake, Caramelized Onions, Creamy Pasta Bake, Gruyère Cheese, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/french-onion-orzo-bake-recipe/