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French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Description

This French Onion Mac and Cheese is a rich and indulgent twist on classic mac and cheese, combining caramelized sweet onions, creamy Gruyere cheese sauce, and tender pasta. Enhanced with fresh thyme and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this baked dish delivers comforting, savory flavors inspired by French onion soup, making it a perfect side dish or hearty meal for gatherings.

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 1 pound short cut pasta, cooked according to package directions

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Topping

  • ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • Fresh thyme, for serving

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a big pinch of salt, stirring often. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the onions soften.
  2. Slow Cook the Onions: Reduce heat to low or medium-low and continue cooking the onions for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden and caramelized. Add a splash of water if they begin to stick or burn.
  3. Preheat the Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the pasta per package instructions until al dente, then drain.
  4. Make the Roux: Transfer the caramelized onions to a plate. In the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and nutty smelling.
  5. Create the Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the nutmeg and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in most of the Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
  6. Combine Pasta and Onions: Add three-quarters of the caramelized onions to the cheese sauce, then fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
  7. Assemble and Bake: Top the mac and cheese with the remaining cheese and caramelized onions. Sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs over the top.
  8. Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the top, and serve warm.

Notes

  • To speed up caramelization, add 1 teaspoon of sugar, honey, or maple syrup to the onions and stir frequently.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the dish before baking.
  • Gruyere provides a mellow nutty flavor; substitute with Emmental or Swiss cheese if unavailable.
  • Seasoned bread crumbs add texture—plain breadcrumbs with added herbs work as a substitute.
  • For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream with the milk.

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