French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is a comforting twist on classic macaroni and cheese, blending rich caramelized onions with a trio of flavorful cheeses. This dish combines the deep, savory notes of French onion soup with creamy pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 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 prepare for the mac and cheese.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until they are deeply caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme and cook for another minute.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, then the milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
4. Step 4: Stir in the Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until they are fully melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and toss the pasta with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh thyme for a brighter herb flavor, or dried thyme if fresh isn’t available.
• For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the roux before adding broth.
• Substitute vegetable broth with beef broth for a richer, meatier taste.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a subtle warmth.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk, cream, and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives, though the flavor and texture will be different. Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese blends for best results.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is a decadent twist on a classic comfort dish, combining rich caramelized onions with a creamy blend of Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. The mac and cheese is topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection, delivering comforting flavors that are both hearty and sophisticated.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 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

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a suitable baking dish to prevent sticking and aid browning.
2. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring often, until deeply caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and thyme towards the end to enhance flavor.
3. Make the Roux and Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a paste. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, then gradually add the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is silky smooth.
4. Add Cheeses and Season: Stir in the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, continuing to cook until all the cheese is melted and incorporated. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente, with the cheesy onion sauce mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce and caramelized onions.
6. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the buttered baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese to create a crispy crust.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
8. Rest and Serve: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh thyme for an aromatic finish.

Notes

• You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer taste.
• For a vegetarian version, ensure the broth is vegetable-based and cheeses are free from animal rennet.
• Using freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture than pre-shredded varieties.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing the deep, sweet flavor that mimics the essence of French onion soup.
• Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the sauce thicken slightly for easier serving.

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