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French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: French-American

Description

Indulge in a comforting fusion of classic French onion soup and creamy macaroni and cheese with this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese recipe. Slow-caramelized onions are cooked in butter then combined with a rich, cheesy beef broth sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Finished with a golden broiled topping of baguette slices and Gruyère cheese, this dish offers a richly savory and satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Onion Soup Base

  • 4 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Topping

  • Sliced baguette
  • Extra Gruyère cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to be incorporated later.
  2. Caramelize Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become deeply caramelized and golden brown, which will take about 30-40 minutes.
  3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrance without browning.
  4. Add Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir thoroughly to coat. Cook this mixture for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour flavor and create a roux base for the sauce.
  5. Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Gradually whisk in the beef broth along with the thyme leaves to the onion mixture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent lumps.
  6. Melt Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until all cheeses melt completely into a smooth, creamy sauce.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  8. Optional Broil Topping: For an extra special presentation, transfer the mac & cheese mixture into a baking dish. Top with slices of baguette and sprinkle extra Gruyère cheese on top. Place under a broiler until the topping is golden, bubbly, and crispy—about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Serve: Serve the French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors melding together beautifully.

Notes

  • Caramelizing onions slowly is key to developing deep, sweet flavors, so be patient and avoid rushing this step.
  • You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or to accommodate dietary preferences.
  • Adjust the amount of cheese based on your desired creaminess and richness.
  • The optional broiling step is recommended for added texture and presentation, but the dish is delicious even without it.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to preserve creaminess.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/french-onion-soup-mac-and-cheese-recipe/