Description
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious blend of Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, layered with deeply caramelized onions and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping, then baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
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 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 lightly butter a baking dish to prepare for the mac and cheese assembly and baking.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deeply caramelized, about 25 to 30 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and thyme during the last couple minutes of cooking to release their aromas.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Stir in the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Onions: Cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and combine the pasta with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions, mixing thoroughly to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Mac & Cheese: Transfer the cheesy pasta and onion mixture into the prepared buttered baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra fresh thyme if desired, then serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a deeper onion flavor, use a mix of yellow and sweet onions.
- Gruyère cheese contributes a nutty, caramel-like flavor essential to this recipe; do not substitute with mild cheeses.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the vegetable broth used is free of any animal products.
- You can prepare the caramelized onions ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days before assembling.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
