French onion mac cheese delight

This homemade French onion soup mac and cheese combines the deep, caramelized onion flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni, making it a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings. It offers richness and heartiness while still feeling special enough for family dinners or a cozy weekend treat.

I first stumbled on this recipe when craving something indulgent but familiar during a rainy weekend. Now it’s a go-to whenever I want to impress with minimal fuss yet maximum flavor.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Three large yellow onions: these become beautifully sweet and deeply caramelized when cooked slowly
• Butter: essential for gently cooking the onions and adding richness
• Two cloves garlic, minced: adds aromatic depth and a subtle zing
• Dried thyme: brings a hint of earthiness and ties into the classic French onion soup taste, best to use fresh if possible
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: vital for seasoning, use fresh pepper for brightest flavor
• Three tablespoons all-purpose flour: helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy texture
• Four cups beef broth or vegetable broth: beef broth adds classic richness, vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version
• One cup half and half or heavy cream: creates a velvety, luscious sauce, heavy cream will be richer
• One and a half cups grated Gruyère cheese: melty and nutty, look for good quality cheese for best melt and flavor
• One cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated: offers a tangy counterpoint to the Gruyère
• Twelve ounces elbow macaroni: a classic pasta choice that holds sauce well

How to Make It

Sauté the Onions slowly:

Cook the thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for thirty to forty minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The goal is to achieve a deep golden brown color where the onions turn sweet and caramelized. Patience here makes all the difference in flavor.

Add Flour and Liquids:

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir well so the flour coats the onions evenly. Slowly whisk in the broth and half and half or heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts thickening, which will create a creamy sauce base.

Incorporate Garlic, Thyme, and Cheese:

Add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the thickened sauce and stir to combine. Gradually melt the grated Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses into the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and immediately mix the hot macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to ensure every bit of pasta is coated with the luscious sauce.

Prepare for Broiling:

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish. For an authentic French onion soup vibe, top the mac and cheese with extra grated cheese and arrange toasted baguette slices on top if you like crisp texture. Place under a broiler for a short time just until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Sharing this dish during winter holidays quickly became a beloved family tradition in my home, reminding me of cozy evenings spent with loved ones around the table.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat covered in the oven at low temperature or in a microwave with a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture and flavor. Ingredient Substitutions Vegetable broth in place of beef broth works well for vegetarians without sacrificing taste. Swap half and half for whole milk to lighten the dish but expect a thinner sauce. If Gruyère is unavailable, Emmental or another Swiss cheese can substitute nicely. Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as thickener for gluten sensitivity.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to balance richness. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans adds a lovely textural contrast and freshness. A glass of dry white wine complements the savory cheese and thyme notes beautifully.

Creative Twists

French onion soup is a classic French dish known for its caramelized onions and savory broth topped with melted cheese and croutons. This recipe reimagines that iconic soup by blending its flavors into a beloved American comfort food, macaroni and cheese, offering a delicious cross-cultural comfort meal.

This French onion soup mac and cheese is a perfect balance of comfort and elegance sure to impress your family and guests.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of onions work best for this dish?

Yellow onions are ideal as they caramelize well, developing sweetness and deep flavor integral to the sauce.

→ Can this be made vegetarian?

Yes, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth to maintain rich flavor without meat products.

→ What cheeses are used in this dish?

A blend of Gruyère and sharp white cheddar creates a creamy, melty texture with a balanced flavor.

→ How is the sauce thickened?

A roux made from butter and flour is used to thicken the broth and cream mixture into a luscious sauce.

→ How long should the onions be caramelized?

Onions should be cooked slowly over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes until they develop a rich golden brown color and sweet flavor.

→ What is the purpose of broiling at the end?

Broiling melts and browns the cheese topping creating a bubbly, golden crust reminiscent of traditional French onion soup croutons.