Name: French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large onions, sliced into rounds; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 2½ cups milk; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 4 oz Gruyère cheese block, shredded; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; ¾ of the caramelized onions (from step 1); 1 lb pasta (penne, elbow macaroni, or preferred type); ⅓ cup breadcrumbs (for topping); Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese

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A decadent twist on mac and cheese! Creamy pasta loaded with caramelized onions, Gruyère, cheddar, and a golden breadcrumb topping.

Author: Sarah
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings
Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking, Stove Top
Cuisine: American, French-Inspired

Ingredients

4 large onions, sliced into rounds

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2½ cups milk

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

4 oz Gruyère cheese block, shredded

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

¾ of the caramelized onions (from step 1)

1 lb pasta (penne, elbow macaroni, or preferred type)

⅓ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until softened.
Gradually add small amounts of broth or water (if using), letting each addition cook off for deeper flavor. Continue for about 30 minutes until onions are golden and fully caramelized. Set aside.

Cook the Pasta:
Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in milk and cook until sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
Stir in nutmeg, Parmesan, Gruyère, and cheddar cheeses until smooth and creamy.

Combine and Assemble:
Mix the cooked pasta and ¾ of the caramelized onions into the cheese sauce.
Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Add Topping and Bake:
Top with the remaining caramelized onions, a sprinkle of extra cheese (if desired), and breadcrumbs.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Vegetarian Tip: Swap beef broth (if used while caramelizing) with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly dish.

Cheese Substitutes: Use Swiss or fontina cheese in place of Gruyère if preferred.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.

Leftovers: Reheat well in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk for creaminess.

Find it online: https://allrecipesmade.com/french-onion-soup-mac-and-cheese/