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If you adore the comforting richness of classic French onion soup and the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese, then this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Combining deeply caramelized onions, a luscious blend of Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, plus the cozy warmth of tender elbow macaroni, it’s a dish that’s soul-satisfying in every bite. This recipe elevates traditional mac and cheese with the savory, aromatic essence of fresh thyme and the perfect golden crunch of a Parmesan-herb breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become your new favorite comfort food masterpiece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a key role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color in this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe. From the sweetness of caramelized onions to the melty cheese trio and fragrant thyme, every element shines in perfect harmony.
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic noodle choice that holds sauce beautifully and offers a perfect bite every time.
- Onions: Yellow onions cook down to golden, caramelized sweetness that’s the signature flavor of French onion soup.
- Olive Oil: Provides a subtle fruity richness and helps soften the onions as they caramelize.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and helps build the roux that thickens the sauce.
- Garlic: Just a touch of aromatic intensity that complements the onions perfectly.
- Flour: The thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it clings luxuriously to the pasta.
- Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and that unmistakable savory base reminiscent of a classic French onion soup.
- Milk: Creates creamy richness and balances the savory notes.
- Heavy Cream: Elevates the sauce to dreamy, velvety perfection.
- Gruyère Cheese: The star cheese with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that melts flawlessly.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds tang and body for a well-rounded cheese profile.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Gives irresistible stretch and gooey texture.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Adds a hint of heat for depth.
- Thyme: The herbaceous touch that brings the French onion soup character into the mac and cheese.
- Breadcrumbs: For that golden, crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
- Parmesan Cheese: Mixed with breadcrumbs to add savory, cheesy crispness on top.
How to Make French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Space and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and buttering your favorite baking dish. This step will ensure your mac and cheese doesn’t stick and gives that lovely golden crust. While the oven warms up, cook the elbow macaroni to al dente according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside. Perfectly cooked pasta is key because it will continue to cook slightly when baked.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and stir often as they slowly soften and transform into a deep golden caramelized state over about 25 to 30 minutes. This process is the heart of the dish, coaxing out natural sweetness and rich flavor. In the last few minutes, stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme to infuse the onions with warm herbal notes.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the onions are perfectly caramelized, add the remaining butter to the pan and melt it. Stir in the flour to form a roux—a thick paste that will thicken your sauce. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, then the whole milk and heavy cream, blending everything into a smooth, velvety mixture. Let it gently simmer until it thickens, bringing all the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Melt the Cheeses Into the Sauce
Now for the most delightful part: adding the cheeses. Stir in shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella until they melt completely, creating a rich, creamy sauce that envelopes the caramelized onions. Season this cheesy dream with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then fold in the cooked elbow macaroni, ensuring every noodle is coated with this luscious cheese-onion sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Transfer the cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle this evenly over the top. This topping will bake up crispy and golden, adding an irresistible crunchy contrast that makes every bite a beautiful balance of textures.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese sauce is bubbling and the breadcrumb topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma itself will have you ready to dig in immediately!
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Remove from the oven and allow your French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe to rest for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period helps the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve. Add a final flourish by garnishing with fresh thyme for an elegant, fresh touch before serving it hot and enjoying every comforting forkful.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish generously with sprigs of fresh thyme or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese. These small touches heighten the herbal and cheesy notes, making each serving feel extra special and beautiful.
Side Dishes
Complement this rich and hearty dish with something light and crisp, such as a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables. These sides provide refreshing contrast and keep your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets, topped with the crunchy breadcrumb layer. This makes the dish feel festive and perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals where each person gets their own bubbling individual serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making for delicious second-day indulgence. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep it fresh and tasty.
Freezing
This dish freezes well in portion-sized containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, but remember that breadcrumb toppings may lose some crunch upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning, then uncover near the end to crisp the topping back up. Adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating can refresh the creamy sauce beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well and create a fun texture.
What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have Gruyère?
If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese or a mild fontina are excellent substitutes that melt smoothly and offer a similar nutty flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it fully vegetarian without compromising the savory depth essential to the dish.
How long can I leave the onions to caramelize?
For the richest flavor, caramelize the onions low and slow for about 25 to 30 minutes. Patience here rewards you with perfectly sweet and deeply flavored onions that define this recipe.
Is French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe spicy?
Not at all. It’s a wonderfully comforting and savory dish with warm herbs and rich cheese, but you can add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe brings together two beloved comfort foods into one unforgettable dish that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious. The careful balance of caramelized onions, rich cheeses, and a crisp breadcrumb topping promises to become a treasured staple in your kitchen. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and dive into this cozy masterpiece—you really don’t want to miss out on this flavor-packed delight!
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French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavor of French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni baked to perfection. Featuring a luscious blend of Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, topped with crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs, this hearty dish is perfect for comforting family meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Fats & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
Dairy
- 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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and help develop a golden crust.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they are deeply caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes. This slow cooking brings out their sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme towards the end of cooking for added aroma.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, then the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and starts to thicken.
- Add the Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked elbow macaroni, cooked al dente, with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions until evenly coated.
- Assemble for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with the mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling hot.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired, then serve the mac and cheese hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, cook the macaroni al dente before combining with the sauce to avoid mushy pasta.
- Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing the soup’s signature deep flavor.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a richer French onion soup flavor.
- Use fresh thyme for a more vibrant herb flavor, but dried thyme works well as a substitute.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
