French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and elegant twist on a beloved comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Onions and Aromatics
- 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)
Roux and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish to prepare it for baking the mac and cheese later.
- 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 often, until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme toward the end of cooking.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, followed by the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Stir in the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, continuing to stir until all the cheeses are melted into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce and Onions: Cook the elbow macaroni to al dente according to package instructions and drain. Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and caramelized onions mixture, tossing gently to combine everything evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired, then serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best caramelized onions, cook them slowly over medium heat without rushing to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer cheese sauce; you can substitute milk alone for a lighter version.
- Gruyère adds a nuttier, authentic French onion soup flavor; if unavailable, swiss cheese is a good substitute.
- Breadcrumb topping can be made crunchy by toasting in a dry pan before mixing with Parmesan for extra texture.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and is easier to portion.
Keywords: French onion soup mac and cheese, caramelized onion mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, French inspired recipes
