Name: French Onion Macaroni with Cheese: A Hearty and Delicious Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz macaroni or elbow pasta; 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef or vegetable broth; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (divided); 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

French Onion Macaroni with Cheese is a perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites: the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup and the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. This dish delivers an indulgent and satisfying experience with every bite. The deep, sweet-savory notes from slow-cooked onions meld seamlessly with a creamy cheese sauce, all coating tender macaroni noodles. Finished with a crispy, golden topping, this dish is a must-try for cheese lovers and anyone looking for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Macaroni or elbow pasta
Yellow onions
Butter
Olive oil
Garlic
Beef or vegetable broth
Worcestershire sauce
Fresh thyme
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Gruyère cheese
Sharp cheddar cheese
Parmesan cheese
Panko breadcrumbs
Salt
Black pepper

Directions

Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and deeply caramelized (about 30-40 minutes). Add minced garlic, fresh thyme, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth of flavor.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a few minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated.
Cook the Pasta: While the onions are caramelizing, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine Everything: Mix the caramelized onions and cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every noodle with the rich, creamy mixture.
Prepare the Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a little Parmesan cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
Serve Hot: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the delicious combination of caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and crispy topping!

Variations

Meaty Version: Add crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for an extra protein boost.
Vegetarian Twist: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, umami-rich flavor.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for added heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Different Cheeses: Experiment with Swiss, Fontina, or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8 portions

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. For a quicker method, microwave portions in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

How do I get perfectly caramelized onions?

Cook them low and slow, stirring occasionally. Adding a pinch of salt and a little sugar can help enhance their sweetness.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Shells, penne, or cavatappi work well in this recipe.

What’s the best cheese for this dish?

Gruyère is key for that classic French onion flavor, but you can mix it with cheddar, Parmesan, or Swiss.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

How do I keep my mac and cheese from drying out?

Adding a little extra milk or cream before baking helps maintain its creaminess.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread make great side options.

Can I make this on the stovetop only?

Yes! Skip the baking step and serve straight from the pot after mixing in the cheese sauce.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and reduce the amount of butter and cream.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s best to shred cheese from a block for a smoother melt, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents.

How can I make the topping extra crispy?

Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Conclusion

French Onion Macaroni with Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, sweet-savory flavors of caramelized onions with the creamy decadence of mac and cheese. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and savor every cheesy, crispy, flavorful bite!

Print