Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a cozy, indulgent dish perfect for chilly evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• Optional: French bread or baguette slices for toasting
• Extra grated cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slowly cook the thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat evenly.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth and the half-and-half or heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, then stir in the Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy and combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
6. Step 6: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mac & cheese to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and toasted baguette slices if desired.
8. Step 8: Broil briefly until the top is bubbly and golden brown, mimicking the classic French onion soup crouton finish. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the rich flavor without meat.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different texture and flavor.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key—don’t rush this step to develop the deep sweetness.
• If the sauce thickens too much after mixing with pasta, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac & cheese and sauce in advance. Keep the components separate if possible and combine before baking to retain the best texture.

What can I substitute for Gruyère cheese?

Emmental or Swiss cheese are good substitutes that melt well and have a similar nutty flavor.

Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl Recipe

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4.8 from 67 reviews

This Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl combines the rich, caramelized flavor of French onion soup with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese for a comforting and indulgent dish. Slowly caramelized onions, melted Gruyère and sharp white cheddar create a luscious sauce, perfectly coating al dente elbow macaroni. Optional toasted baguette slices and extra cheese topping add a crunchy, golden finish reminiscent of classic French onion soup.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Comfort Food
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onion Base

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

Pasta & Topping

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• Optional: French bread or baguette slices for toasting
• Extra grated cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: Slowly cook the thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process allows the onions to turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor that forms the savory foundation of the dish.
2. Make the cheese sauce: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat. Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth along with the half-and-half or heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add minced garlic and dried thyme, then melt in the grated Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until the sauce is creamy, fully combined, and seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cook the macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta well, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to thin the cheese sauce for better consistency.
4. Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated with the smooth, velvety cheese mixture for maximum flavor and creaminess.
5. Bake or broil optional topping: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and optionally place toasted baguette slices on top. Place under the broiler briefly until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, mimicking the classic French onion soup crouton finish. Monitor closely to prevent burning.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
• Use half-and-half or heavy cream depending on desired richness; heavy cream will yield a richer sauce.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key for developing deep flavor; do not rush this step by increasing the heat.
• Optional toasted baguette slices add traditional texture and flavor, but can be omitted for a gluten-free version.
• If sauce is too thick after combining with pasta, use reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.

Keywords: French onion soup mac and cheese, caramelized onion mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, Gruyère mac and cheese