French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is a rich and comforting twist on the classic macaroni and cheese. It combines the deep, caramelized flavor of onions with a blend of melted cheeses, creating a dish that’s both familiar and deliciously gourmet.

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 to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme during the last minute of cooking.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, then slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream, until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and well combined. Season with salt and black pepper.
5. Step 5: Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain. Toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together and sprinkle evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
8. Step 8: Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, substitute half of the whole milk with cream or use a mix of half-and-half.
• Try adding a splash of dry white wine to the onion caramelization step for added depth of flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized mushrooms for a savory variation.
• To make it vegetarian, ensure the broth is vegetable-based as listed, or use a mushroom broth for extra umami.

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) to maintain the crispy topping, or microwave covered on medium power, stirring occasionally. The breadcrumb topping may lose some crispness when refrigerated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese through step 6, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and extra sharp cheddar can work well as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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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. Featuring a luscious blend of Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses baked with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping, this dish offers a comforting, sophisticated twist on traditional mac and cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni

Onion Mixture

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

Sauce

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose 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 your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Make the Roux and Sauce Base: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet with the onions. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, then slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
4. Add the Cheeses: Stir the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella into the sauce until melted and fully incorporated. 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, drain, and then toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions until evenly coated.
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 and evenly sprinkle this topping over the mac and cheese.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
8. Serve: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with additional thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your rich, comforting French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese.

Notes

• For the best caramelized onions, cook them slowly on medium heat and stir often to prevent burning.
• You can substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a richer flavor if not vegetarian.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for optimal melting and flavor.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

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

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