French onion soup mac & cheese is a cozy twist on two classic comfort foods that everyone loves. Imagine creamy, cheesy macaroni enveloped in the rich flavors of caramelized onions and a hint of thyme. This dish is perfect for family dinners or a casual gathering with friends. It’s simple to prepare, making it an easy choice for busy weeknights.
Why You Will Love This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
This dish is easy to make and so satisfying. It brings together everyday ingredients in a way that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s kid-friendly, so your little ones will enjoy every bite. Plus, it can be ready in less than an hour – perfect for a quick meal on a busy day. The creamy texture and the rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Make French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
Making this delightful dish is a straightforward process. You’ll start by caramelizing the onions to develop their natural sweetness. Then, you’ll create a creamy cheese sauce before mixing in the pasta. It all comes together easily, making this a great recipe for beginner cooks. It’s fun to see how ordinary ingredients transform into something truly special.
What You Need to Make It
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- Optional: French bread or baguette slices for toasting
- Extra grated cheese for topping (about ½ cup)
Step-by-Step
Slowly cook thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat. Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth and half-and-half or heavy cream until smooth and thickened. Add minced garlic and dried thyme, then melt in Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until creamy and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the luscious, velvety sauce.
Transfer the mac & cheese to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and toasted baguette slices if desired. Broil briefly until the top is bubbly and golden brown, mimicking the classic French onion soup crouton finish. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
How to Serve French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
This rich and cheesy dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. Feel free to top it with some freshly chopped herbs or serve it alongside crusty French bread for added texture. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or as a hearty dish for gatherings with family or friends.
How to Store French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze, portion the mac & cheese into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For reheating, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
Recipe Tips
- Timing: Make sure to give the onions enough time to caramelize for that rich flavor.
- Texture: If your sauce gets too thick, just stir in a bit of reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Flavor: Use fresh herbs or even add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Storage: Cool completely before refrigerating or freezing for best results.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses based on what you have on hand.
Variations & Swaps
- Vegetarian Version: Swap beef broth for vegetable broth to cater to vegetarians.
- Cheese Options: Use mozzarella or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked chicken or bacon for added heartiness.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat. This also helps meld the flavors beautifully.
Can I freeze mac & cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it! Portion it into containers, making sure to leave some space since it can expand. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the microwave or oven. If it feels dry, add a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy as it warms.
What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?
If you can’t find Gruyère, Swiss cheese or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan would work well too.
What should I serve with mac & cheese?
A light side salad or some steamed vegetables make great companions. You could also serve it alongside some roasted chicken or a nice crusty bread.
French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1.5 cups grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
For the Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
Optional Toppings
- 0.5 cup extra grated cheese for topping
- French bread or baguette slices for toasting Optional
Instructions
Caramelizing Onions
- Slowly cook thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat.
- Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth and half-and-half or heavy cream until smooth and thickened.
- Add minced garlic and dried thyme, then melt in Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until creamy and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Combining
- Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the luscious, velvety sauce.
Baking
- Transfer the mac & cheese to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and toasted baguette slices if desired.
- Broil briefly until the top is bubbly and golden brown, mimicking the classic French onion soup crouton finish. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
