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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 143 reviews

This French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish combining deeply caramelized onions with tender orzo pasta and a blend of creamy cheeses. Slow-cooked onions create a rich, sweet base, enhanced by garlic, thyme, and balsamic vinegar. The orzo is simmered in savory beef broth and cream, then topped with Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses before baking to golden perfection. Ideal for a cozy family meal or elegant dinner, this dish offers layers of texture and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Orzo and Liquids

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until they become deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking process is crucial for developing the dish’s rich flavor.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the garlic’s aroma. Then, deglaze the pan by pouring in the balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom to lift all the flavorful browned bits, and stir well.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Mix in the dry orzo pasta, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat slightly, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, creating a creamy base.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in half of the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese into the orzo mixture to melt and create a creamy texture. Then, sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Carefully transfer the oven-safe skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes. Bake until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, signaling that the bake is ready.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, then serve warm for maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet or sauté pan to avoid transferring the mixture before baking.
  • Cooking the onions slowly is essential for deep caramelization and flavor development.
  • Be sure to stir the orzo occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
  • You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a milder flavor or to make it closer to a vegetarian option (omit if strictly vegetarian).
  • Fresh thyme offers better flavor but dried thyme works well too.
  • This dish can be reheated in the oven or microwave; add a splash of broth or cream if it seems dry.

Keywords: French Onion Bake, Orzo Pasta, Caramelized Onions, Gruyère Cheese, Baked Pasta, Comfort Food, One-pan Dish

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/french-onion-orzo-bake-recipe/