There is something irresistibly comforting about combining two beloved classics into one soul-satisfying dish, which is exactly what this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe delivers. Imagine the rich, deeply caramelized onions and savory thyme notes of French onion soup melding perfectly with creamy, gooey layers of three kinds of cheese and tender elbow macaroni. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply curl up with a bowl of pure comfort, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds in an unforgettable and delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe uses simple, thoughtfully selected ingredients that work together to create a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture. From sweet caramelized onions to the perfect blend of cheeses, every element plays a vital role in bringing this comforting casserole to life.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape perfect for holding onto creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
- Onions: Three large yellow onions provide the essential sweetness and depth once well caramelized.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps gently soften the onions without overpowering them.
- Butter: Used both for sautéing and creating a luscious roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic: Two minced cloves introduce a fragrant background note to complement the onions.
- Flour: Essential for making the roux, which transforms into the creamy cheese sauce base.
- Vegetable Broth: Adds savory depth reminiscent of French onion soup’s rich stock foundation.
- Milk: Whole milk ensures a creamy, smooth consistency in the cheese sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Boosts velvety richness and indulgence for that ultimate mac and cheese texture.
- Gruyère Cheese: Two cups shredded, bringing a nutty, slightly sweet flavor true to French onion soup.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a tangy punch that balances the sweeter cheeses and onions.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Known for amazing meltability and stretch, giving the dish its gooey appeal.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors coming together in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and spice without overwhelming other flavors.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme (or dried) is a classic herb that mirrors the traditional French onion soup flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: Provides a delightful golden, crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy pasta underneath.
- Parmesan Cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs for extra savory sharpness and texture on top.
How to Make French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish generously to ensure your mac and cheese won’t stick and to help develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 2: Caramelizing the Onions
This step is the heart and soul of the French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe. Heat olive oil along with one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add all the thinly sliced onions and stir frequently as they transform, slow cooking for about 25 to 30 minutes until they’re deeply caramelized with a rich brown color and sweet aroma. Near the end, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme, letting the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 3: Making the Roux and Sauce Base
Once your onions have reached that perfect caramelized stage, add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sprinkle the flour evenly and stir it constantly to form a roux—a thick paste that will give your sauce body. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring until your sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, creating a luscious base for the cheeses.
Step 4: Incorporating the Cheeses
Lower the heat and add the trio of shredded cheeses: Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir gently but thoroughly as they melt into a gooey, flavorful sauce studded with the exquisite caramelized onion mixture from before. Season the cheesy sauce with salt and black pepper to taste, making sure every component shines.
Step 5: Combining With Pasta
Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente so it has a bit of bite and won’t become mushy in the oven. Drain and toss the pasta with your rich cheese and onion sauce until every piece is beautifully coated and glossy.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to your buttered baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top, which will bake into a satisfyingly crunchy, golden crust. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and perfectly browned.
Step 7: Resting and Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe to rest for about five minutes. This lets the cheese sauce thicken slightly for easier serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a lovely herbal touch, and serve up warm for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Simple but thoughtful garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh thyme or chives add not only a pop of color but enhance the savory thyme notes in the dish. You can also add a few caramelized onion slices on top to echo the flavors inside and make each serving look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This mac and cheese is quite rich and filling, so pairing it with light side dishes is ideal. Fresh green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or even a crisp apple slaw provide a refreshing balance that complements the creamy, cheesy main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving individual portions of this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe in ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a rustic, elegant look. You can also top each serving with a small dollop of caramelized onion jam or a drizzle of balsamic reduction to bring out deeper onion flavors and add a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it excellent for quick lunches or dinners when you want a hearty comfort meal without starting from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, you can freeze it after baking—just cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Keep in mind the crunchy topping may soften after freezing, but the cheesy flavor and texture remain delightful.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the top crisps up again. Microwaving is faster but can make the sauce a bit runny, so adding a fresh sprinkling of breadcrumbs before reheating can help restore some texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While the Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella blend offers a fantastic balance of flavor and meltiness, feel free to experiment with cheeses like fontina, Swiss, or even a touch of blue cheese for added depth.
Is it okay to use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Yes, dried thyme works well and is very convenient. Just use about half the amount called for fresh (about 1/2 teaspoon dried) since dried herbs tend to be more concentrated and potent.
Can I make the caramelized onions in advance?
Definitely. Caramelizing onions takes time, so making them a day ahead can save prep time. Store the onions in the refrigerator and simply reheat them gently in the pan when you’re ready to proceed.
What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is classic for this dish because it holds sauce well, but you can substitute with cavatappi, shells, or small rotini for a fun twist. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid sogginess.
Can I make this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth and no meat ingredients, making it a delicious option for those avoiding meat without compromising on flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like a dish that combines the nostalgic comfort of mac and cheese with the sophisticated savoriness of French onion soup, and this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe hits that perfect note with every creamy, cheesy bite. It’s a fantastic recipe to have in your repertoire for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Give it a try—you’ll quickly understand why it’s become one of my all-time favorite dishes to make and share!
Print
French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
This indulgent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Layers of sweet, slow-cooked onions and a blend of Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses create an irresistible comfort food that’s baked to bubbly perfection with a golden, crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a cozy dinner that elevates traditional mac & cheese with sophisticated flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces Elbow Macaroni
Onion Base
- 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)
Sauce
- 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
Topping
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare it for the mac & cheese mixture.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 25 to 30 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme during the last minute of cooking to release their flavors.
- Make the Sauce Base: Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Stir in the Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce until fully melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Then, mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mac & cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle this evenly over the top of the mac & cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired and serve hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing the deep, sweet flavor that mimics French onion soup.
- For a richer sauce, whole milk and heavy cream combination creates excellent creaminess.
- To make ahead, assemble everything up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs as substitutes.
