Introduction

This Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl combines the rich, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with a creamy cheese sauce and tender elbow macaroni. It’s a cozy, indulgent dish perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a comforting meal.

A close-up of a white round dish filled with baked macaroni and cheese showing three layers: the bottom layer with pale yellow macaroni noodles coated in creamy white cheese sauce, the middle layer with thicker melted cheese strands stretching upwards, and the top layer with a golden brown crispy cheese crust sprinkled with tiny green herb leaves, all resting on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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.
Step 2: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat. Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth and half-and-half or heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme.
Step 3: Melt in the Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses, stirring until the sauce is creamy and fully combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated with the velvety sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 6: Transfer the mac & cheese to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and toasted baguette slices if desired. Broil briefly until the top is bubbly and golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

Take your time caramelizing the onions low and slow to develop the best deep, sweet flavor.
Combine Gruyère and sharp cheddar cheeses for a perfect balance of nutty sweetness and tangy sharpness.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Broil toppings carefully as they can burn quickly; keep a close eye while under the broiler.
Add fresh thyme near the end of sauce preparation to preserve its bright aroma and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. For best texture, reheat covered and avoid overcooking the pasta.

How to Serve

Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl Recipe - Recipe Image

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian without sacrificing flavor.

What types of cheese work best in this recipe?

Gruyère and sharp white cheddar are ideal because they melt smoothly and offer a nice balance of nutty and sharp flavors. You can experiment with similar melting cheeses like Emmental or Fontina if desired.