french onion macaroni and cheese recipe

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The Best french onion macaroni and cheese recipe

I’ve always been a fan of macaroni and cheese, and when I discovered the French onion version, I was hooked. This creamy, cheesy, savory dish is a staple in our household. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and I love how easy it is to make.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – we can serve it as a comforting weeknight meal, or dress it up for special occasions like holidays or family gatherings. And let’s not forget the health benefits: this recipe is packed with whole wheat pasta, real cheese, and caramelized onions, making it a nutritious option for even the pickiest eaters.

As a busy mom, I appreciate recipes that are quick to prepare and can be customized to suit my family’s tastes. This French onion macaroni and cheese recipe checks all those boxes. I can have it on the table in under 30 minutes, and everyone leaves full and happy.

But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique behind it. By caramelizing the onions before adding them to the macaroni and cheese mixture, we’re creating a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s not just a simple macaroni and cheese – it’s an experience.

My family has always been a bit skeptical of new recipes, but this one has won them over. We’ve made it countless times since discovering it, and each time it’s been a hit. Whether we’re serving it at home or taking it to potlucks and picnics, this French onion macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

French Onion Macaroni and Cheese

4.6 from 1337 votes

This dish combines the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Caramelized onions are mixed into a Gruyere and cheddar cheese sauce, then baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

For the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

8 ounces elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
2Add the sliced onions and salt, then cook for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are deep golden brown and caramelized.
3Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for 1 minute, then remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
4While the onions cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
5In the same large pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
6Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it forms a paste, then gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth.
7Add the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and nutmeg to the sauce, then bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
8Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded Gruyere and cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
10Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then fold in the cooked macaroni and the caramelized onions.
11Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
12Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared dish and spread it into an even layer.
13In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and the grated Parmesan cheese.
14Sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
15Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
16Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Large pot
Colander
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 22g

📝Notes

Tips: For a deeper flavor, use a mix of Gruyere and white cheddar. The caramelized onions can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How French Onion Macaroni and Cheese Works

This French onion macaroni and cheese recipe is always a good idea – whether we’re serving it at home or taking it to family gatherings.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy this dish is by reheating individual portions in the microwave after adding some extra grated cheese on top.

For larger gatherings, we like to serve it straight from the oven with some crusty bread on the side for dipping into the cheesy sauce.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Macaroni and Cheese

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use a sturdy pasta shape like elbow macaroni or shells that can hold onto the creamy sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe with gluten-free pasta?

A: Yes! Simply substitute in your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I caramelize the onions for this recipe?

A: To caramelize the onions, heat some oil in a pan over medium-low heat then add thinly sliced onions. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re dark brown and sweet.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the macaroni and cheese mixture up to a day in advance then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake.

Q: What if I don’t have any Gruyère cheese on hand?

A: You can substitute in other Swiss-style cheeses like Emmental or Jarlsberg if you don’t have Gruyère.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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