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French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

Experience the rich, comforting flavors of French Onion Soup combined with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese. This indulgent dish features caramelized onions, a blend of Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni

Onions and 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

Cheeses

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

Toppings and Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, which should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme during the last few minutes to release their aroma.
  3. Make the Roux and Sauce: Add the remaining butter to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  4. Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir the Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce until completely melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce and Onions: Combine the cooked al dente elbow macaroni with the cheesy onion sauce, mixing thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
  6. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared buttered baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, then evenly sprinkle this topping over the mac and cheese to add a crispy, golden crust when baked.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating that the dish is heated through and perfectly crisp on top.
  8. Rest and Serve: Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing the deep, sweet flavor reminiscent of French onion soup.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure the vegetable broth is free from animal products.
  • You can substitute thyme with rosemary for a different herbal note.
  • If you prefer a crustier topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2–3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Make sure not to overcook macaroni; it should remain al dente to prevent a mushy texture after baking.

Keywords: French Onion Soup, Mac and Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Baked Pasta, Gruyère, Comfort Food, Cheesy Bake

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