French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup, topped with crispy caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese. Perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings, this unique take on mac and cheese will leave everyone craving more.
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese takes the classic, beloved flavors of French onion soup and transforms them into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that is comforting and rich. It's the perfect dish to serve on a cold evening or as a unique side for gatherings that will have everyone asking for seconds!
A Perfect Fusion of Comfort Foods
French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese brilliantly combines two beloved dishes into one delectable meal. The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese pairs perfectly with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. This fusion not only satisfies your comfort food cravings but also introduces a new layer of depth and complexity to your typical mac and cheese. With each bite, you're treated to a symphony of flavors that are sure to impress everyone at the dinner table.
Moreover, this dish represents a creative twist on classic comfort food that elevates the traditional mac and cheese experience. By incorporating caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese, you bring forth a savory profile that transforms every spoonful into a delightful adventure. Whether you are cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this dish is bound to be a standout.
Perfect for Any Occasion
French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether it's a cozy night in, a family dinner, or a festive gathering, this dish can easily become the star of the meal. It’s an excellent side dish for roasted meats or a fantastic main course. Plus, its rich flavor profile keeps everyone coming back for seconds, ensuring that it will be a hit amongst friends and family alike.
Additionally, this recipe is easy to customize according to your preferences. Swap in different cheeses, herbs, or protein to make it your own. Try adding cooked bacon or even chicken for an extra protein boost, or incorporate different herbs to enhance the flavors even further. The possibilities are endless!
Ease of Preparation
One of the greatest aspects of French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to make. The preparation process is straightforward, starting with the caramelization of onions to develop that sweet, savory flavor essential for the dish's overall profile. From boiling the pasta to mixing in the rich broth and cheeses, the steps are designed to be user-friendly, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
In under an hour, you can have a warm, comforting meal ready to serve. This ease of preparation not only saves time but also makes this dish an appealing option for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. You can whip up this gourmet-inspired meal without breaking a sweat!
Ingredients
Gather your ingredients before you start cooking!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to measure out everything before you start cooking.
Instructions
Follow these steps for the best results.
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
Add Broth and Cream
Add the beef broth, thyme, and heavy cream to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Combine with Pasta and Cheese
Stir in the cooked macaroni and both cheeses until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese!
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese with a fresh garden salad can bring balance to the meal. The crisp vegetables and light dressing will complement the richness of the mac and cheese, creating a satisfying dining experience. Consider adding a side of crusty bread for an extra touch; it’s perfect for mopping up any cheesy goodness left on your plate.
For a complete meal, serve it alongside a glass of red wine, which enhances the flavors and adds a touch of sophistication to the dining experience. A light-bodied Merlot or a full-bodied Burgundy can be excellent choices that harmonize with the dish's savory elements.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, store your French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To maintain the creamy texture, reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up as it reheats.
You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the oven until heated through. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or to have on hand for unexpected guests!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with Swiss or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
→ How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and omit any meat products.
French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
Experience the ultimate comfort food fusion with this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets the rich, savory flavors of classic French onion soup, topped with crispy caramelized onions and melty Gruyère cheese. Perfect for cozy nights or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings, this unique take on mac and cheese will leave everyone craving more.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are golden brown and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes.
Add the beef broth, thyme, and heavy cream to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Stir in the cooked macaroni and both cheeses until melted and well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g