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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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