Imagine the rich aroma of caramelized onions mingling with creamy cheese as you picture French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese.
This comforting dish is both simple and indulgent, perfect for a cozy evening.
As the onions caramelize and meld with melted Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan, the flavors transform into something truly special.
Let’s bring this delightful fusion of French cuisine and classic comfort food to life in your kitchen.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 whisk
- 1 baking dish
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese, follow this timeline:
- Reading Time (5 minutes):
- Review the recipe and gather all ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Time (15 minutes):
- Start by slicing the onions.
- Grate the cheeses (Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan).
- Chop the fresh thyme.
- Measure out the remaining ingredients (butter, sugar, salt, pepper, flour, beef broth, white wine, macaroni, milk, olive oil).
- Cooking Time (45 minutes):
- First 25 minutes:
- Melt butter in a large skillet and add sliced onions.
- Sprinkle with sugar, salt, and pepper, cooking until onions are caramelized (about 25 minutes).
- While onions are caramelizing:
- In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Next 5 minutes:
- Stir flour into the caramelized onions and cook for 1 minute.
- Add beef broth and white wine, simmer until thickened.
- Next 5 minutes:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Next 5 minutes:
- In the same pot used for the macaroni, warm milk over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Final 5 minutes:
- Combine caramelized onions, cooked macaroni, and cheese sauce, stirring well.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
- Baking Time (20 minutes):
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
With this timeline, you’ll efficiently manage your time from start to finish, ensuring a smooth cooking experience.
Recipe Instructions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add sliced onions.
Sprinkle onions with sugar, salt, and pepper, and cook until caramelized, about 25 minutes.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then add beef broth and white wine, simmer until thickened.
In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
In the same pot, warm milk over medium heat and gradually whisk in Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
Combine caramelized onions, cooked macaroni, and cheese sauce, stirring well.
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty French Baguette: Pair with slices of warm baguette to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Mixed Green Salad: Serve alongside a fresh salad for a light and invigorating contrast to the rich mac and cheese.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the dish with seasonal roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.
- Grilled Chicken Breast: Add a protein option with a simply seasoned grilled chicken breast.
- Sparkling Water or White Wine: Accompany with a crisp beverage to cleanse the palate between bites.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven for ideal texture.
Add a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Freezing
To freeze French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese, let it cool completely.
Then, transfer it to an airtight container.
Label it with the date and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese, use an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Cover with foil to prevent drying.
Guarantee even warming.
Final Thoughts
French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion dish that combines the comforting flavors of French onion soup with the creamy richness of mac and cheese.
The caramelized onions add a sweet and savory depth to the dish, while the blend of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
It’s a perfect main course for any occasion, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.
For an extra touch, consider adding a crispy breadcrumb topping before baking.
Enjoy this dish with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute macaroni with any pasta type. Make sure it’s cooked al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Use 2 cups of your chosen pasta. Adjust cooking time if using larger shapes to maintain texture.
What Wine Pairs Best With This Dish?
Select a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay to complement the dish’s flavors. Make certain the wine’s acidity balances the cheese’s richness. Serve chilled at 50°F to enhance the meal’s savory and sweet notes.
How Do I Prevent the Cheese From Becoming Grainy?
To prevent grainy cheese, heat milk gently to 150°F before adding cheese. Gradually whisk in cheese, ensuring it’s fully melted before adding more. Avoid high heat and use freshly grated cheese for smoother consistency.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
You can make this dish vegetarian by replacing beef broth with vegetable broth. Make certain all cheeses are rennet-free. Follow the original recipe instructions, maintaining precise measurements for a balanced flavor. Adjust seasoning as needed for taste.
Is There a Gluten-Free Version of This Recipe?
To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Use gluten-free pasta and verify your beef broth is gluten-free. Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free options if adding a crispy topping. Follow original cooking instructions.
French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 large onions thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 2 cup macaroni pasta
- 2 cup milk
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese grated
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add sliced onions.
- Sprinkle onions with sugar, salt, and pepper, and cook until caramelized, about 25 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, then add beef broth and white wine, simmer until thickened.
- In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- In the same pot, warm milk over medium heat and gradually whisk in Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine caramelized onions, cooked macaroni, and cheese sauce, stirring well.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with fresh thyme.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
