If you adore comfort food with a little twist, this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the rich, deeply caramelized onions of classic French onion soup melting seamlessly into a luscious, cheesy mac and cheese. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor, from the savory broth-infused sauce to the crispy, golden topping, making it an irresistible dish that warms both heart and soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures that define this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe. From the tender elbow macaroni that cradles every bit of sauce to the trio of cheeses delivering richness and meltiness, every element is essential.
- Elbow Macaroni: 12 ounces to provide that classic pasta base which holds the sauce beautifully.
- Onions: 3 large yellow, thinly sliced, because caramelized onions are the heart of this dish’s flavor.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to start the caramelizing process with a subtle fruity note.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons for richness and to help create the creamy roux.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, adding a gentle aromatic kick.
- Flour: 3 tablespoons to thicken the sauce into velvety perfection.
- Vegetable Broth: 2 cups, providing the savory backbone reminiscent of classic French onion soup.
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk adds creaminess and helps loosen the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup for ultra-rich creaminess that feels decadent without being overpowering.
- Gruyère Cheese: 2 cups shredded, offering a nutty, melty classic French cheese touch.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded for tang and depth.
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded to give that stretchy, gooey texture we all love.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to enhance and balance all the flavors.
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon for a gentle, warming spice.
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), bringing an earthy herbaceousness true to French onion soup.
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup for that irresistibly crunchy, toasted topping.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated, mixed with breadcrumbs to add sharpness and color to the crust.
How to Make French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and giving your baking dish a generous buttering. This small act prevents sticking and adds a little extra flavor that complements the buttery richness of the dish.
Step 2: Caramelize the Onions
In a skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat, then add your thinly sliced onions. Patience is key here since it will take about 25–30 minutes of stirring often for the onions to turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop that deep sweetness—exactly what makes this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe sing. Toward the end, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme to infuse lovely aromatic notes.
Step 3: Make the Roux and Sauce
Into the skillet with the caramelized onions, melt the remaining butter and whisk in the flour, cooking it gently to make a roux. This step gives your sauce the perfect silky thickness. Slowly add in the vegetable broth, then the milk and heavy cream, whisking steadily. You’ll watch the sauce come alive, smooth and creamy, infused with all those fantastic onion flavors.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses and Season
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella until every bit melts and your sauce turns gloriously cheesy and glossy. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste to really let those flavors shine.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Cook your elbow macaroni just until al dente, then toss it gently with the cheesy onion sauce. The pasta will soak up all of that lusciousness without getting mushy, making it the perfect canvas for this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer your cheesy pasta mixture to the buttered baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top. This crust will bake to a bubbling, golden treasure that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers underneath. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and irresistibly crispy.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your masterpiece rest for 5 minutes to settle and thicken just a touch. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, and serve hot, ready to wow everyone who tastes it.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs are a simple but perfect garnish, adding a subtle aroma and a pop of green that brightens the dish. A little extra Parmesan on top before serving never hurts either—it adds a nice savory finale.
Side Dishes
Since this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe is wonderfully rich, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables makes an excellent balance. Light vinaigrettes or tangy dressings complement the creamy pasta nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins to bring a cozy, rustic feel that guests will love. Alternatively, top with crispy bacon bits or caramelized shallots for an extra special spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day comfort food.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish unbaked by wrapping tightly and placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly again, which helps maintain that crispy breadcrumb topping rather than microwaving and losing the crust’s texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella create the perfect balance here, you can experiment with fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a little blue cheese for a twist. Just choose cheeses that melt well and complement the onion flavors.
Is it necessary to caramelize the onions for so long?
Yes, caramelizing the onions slowly is critical to develop the deep, sweet flavors characteristic of French onion soup. Rushing this step can result in a less flavorful dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely. Just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll keep the rich, savory flavor while keeping it vegetarian-friendly.
What pasta works best in this recipe?
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but you can also use cavatappi, shells, or small penne. The key is that the pasta should be able to hold onto the cheesy sauce well.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Sure! Adding cooked and crumbled sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken can turn this into an even heartier meal. Just fold it in before baking for even heat distribution.
Final Thoughts
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe is the cozy, flavor-packed dish you never knew you needed until now. It’s perfect for family dinners, comforting gatherings, or whenever you crave a hug in a bowl. Don’t hesitate to make it your next kitchen adventure—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
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
A decadent twist on the classic comfort food, French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines rich caramelized onions, a creamy trio of melted cheeses, and savory herbs baked to bubbly perfection. This hearty casserole offers the deep flavors of French onion soup in a cheesy, satisfying pasta dish perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Onion Soup 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 thyme)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Other
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for the final bake.
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 25–30 minutes until they become golden brown and caramelized. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme at the end to release their aromas.
- Make Roux and Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet with onions. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking until it forms a paste. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream, to form a smooth, thickened sauce.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the shredded Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is creamy and the cheeses are melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Combine the cooked elbow macaroni (cooked al dente) with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions, mixing well.
- Assemble and Top: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, then evenly sprinkle this topping over the pasta.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired, then serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated cheeses rather than pre-shredded, which often contain anti-caking agents.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the rich, sweet base essential for French Onion flavor.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when baked in the sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes of baking time if cold.
- Vegetarian if you use vegetable broth, but not vegan due to cheese and dairy.
