French Onion Soup Mac And Cheese Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a rich, velvety bowl of French Onion Soup. It’s the type of dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cold day. Now, imagine taking that same indulgent, caramelized onion goodness and marrying it with the creamy, cheesy allure of mac and cheese. The result? A spectacularly indulgent dish that blends two classic favorites into one irresistible comfort food creation: French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese. This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with the smooth, cheesy texture of mac and cheese, resulting in a hearty, decadent meal you’ll crave time and time again.

Let’s break this down, starting with the French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese Recipe, which will guide you step-by-step through the ingredients, instructions, and tips to ensure you get the perfect dish every time.

French Onion Soup Mac And Cheese Recipe

If you’ve ever had French Onion Soup, you know the star ingredients are caramelized onions, beef broth, melted cheese, and a crusty layer of bread. In this recipe, we’re going to bring those same components together with macaroni for a comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or even a special occasion. Here’s how you make it.

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients list for this dish is a mix of classic French onion soup ingredients and standard mac and cheese essentials. You’ll need:

• Elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
• Yellow onions (about 3 medium-sized onions)
• Butter (unsalted, to sauté the onions)
• Beef broth (preferably low-sodium for better control over seasoning)
• Heavy cream (for the creaminess)
• Shredded Gruyère cheese (for that classic French onion flavor and meltiness)
• Shredded Swiss cheese (adds a slightly nutty flavor that complements the Gruyère)
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (for extra gooeyness and stretchiness)
• All-purpose flour (to create the roux that thickens the sauce)
• Fresh thyme (for that herby flavor)
• Garlic (a couple of cloves, minced)
• Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor, similar to the umami of French onion soup)
• Bread crumbs (for the crispy topping, just like the crusty bread in French onion soup)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Olive oil (for caramelizing the onions)
• A splash of white wine (optional, but it adds an extra layer of sophistication)

Cooking Instructions

Here’s the step-by-step process to make French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese:

1. Caramelize The Onions

   • Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice your onions thinly and add them to the pan. Stir occasionally, letting them cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes until they become deeply golden brown and caramelized. Be patient, as this is the stage that really brings out the sweetness of the onions. If they start to burn, lower the heat and add a bit of water to deglaze the pan.
   • Add in the minced garlic in the last few minutes of caramelization for an extra punch of flavor.

2. Prepare The Pasta

   • While the onions are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

3. Make The Cheese Sauce

   • In a separate large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour to create a roux. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the beef broth, followed by the heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens into a smooth sauce.
   • Once thickened, stir in the shredded Gruyère, Swiss, and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

4. Combine Everything

   • Add the cooked macaroni and caramelized onions into the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for that deep, savory flavor, and season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, you can add some fresh thyme leaves to further elevate the flavor.

5. Top And Bake

   • Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs, a bit more shredded cheese (Gruyère or Swiss works best), and drizzle with melted butter to help it crisp up in the oven.
   • Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Ingredient Insights

• Gruyère Cheese: This cheese is a key player in achieving that signature French onion soup flavor. It has a nutty, slightly sweet taste and melts beautifully, creating that signature gooey texture. Gruyère is often used in French onion soup for its melting properties and deep, rich flavor.
• Beef Broth: A good quality beef broth gives this dish its savory depth and rich flavor profile, similar to the base of French onion soup. You can substitute with vegetable or chicken broth if you prefer a lighter version, but beef broth adds that authentic, hearty richness.
• Breadcrumbs: Adding breadcrumbs to the top is a nod to the classic French onion soup, where a crispy crust forms as the cheese melts and the bread soaks up the broth. This crunchy topping provides a delightful contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta below.
• Caramelized Onions: The process of slowly cooking onions until they’re golden brown and sweet is what makes French onion soup so memorable. The longer you cook the onions, the sweeter they become, transforming the dish into something truly special.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Rush the Caramelization: The onions are what make this dish stand out. They need time to develop their sweetness and depth of flavor. If you rush them, you’ll miss that delicious, caramelized edge that really defines French onion soup.
• Use a Mix of Cheeses: The combination of Gruyère, Swiss, and mozzarella creates a perfect balance of flavor and meltability. Gruyère adds depth, Swiss gives a nutty note, and mozzarella ensures that gooey, stretchiness you crave in mac and cheese.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! The broth and cheese already add a lot of saltiness, so be sure to adjust with salt and pepper gradually to avoid over-seasoning.
• Add a Splash of Wine: If you’re feeling a little adventurous, add a splash of dry white wine when cooking the onions. The wine will deglaze the pan and add a subtle complexity that takes this dish to the next level.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth, and keep the rest of the recipe as is. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for a rich, earthy flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the onions as they caramelize for a spicy twist.
• Bacon Lovers: For a meaty variation, cook some bacon and chop it up to stir into the cheese sauce for added richness and a smoky flavor.
• Herb Twist: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano in addition to thyme for a more aromatic flavor profile.

Final Words

French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese is a stunning dish that merges two beloved comfort foods into one glorious creation. The creamy cheese sauce, sweet caramelized onions, and savory beef broth come together to create a meal that’s both indulgent and deeply satisfying. It’s the perfect dinner for those who love rich, cheesy dishes with a little twist.