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Crispy French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese

Crispy French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese - featured image
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This cozy baked mac and cheese combines the deep, sweet flavor of caramelized onions with a creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crunchy topping inspired by classic French onion soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food for fall gatherings or chilly nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 1 lb)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh, chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or small shells, penne, or gluten-free pasta)
  • 1 1/2 cups French bread or baguette, cut into cubes (or store-bought croutons)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/3 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Cook, stirring often, until onions are golden brown and soft (about 20–25 minutes). If onions start to burn, lower heat and add a splash of water. Stir in thyme, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce during the last 5 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk and broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until thickened (about 4 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a baking dish, mix cooked macaroni with caramelized onions. Pour cheese sauce over and stir until well coated. (Reserve a handful of onions for topping if desired.)
  5. Toss bread cubes or croutons with melted butter, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
  6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake uncovered until topping is golden and cheese is bubbling (15–20 minutes). If the top isn’t crispy enough, broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely.
  7. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Caramelize onions slowly for best flavor. Grate cheese fresh for a smoother sauce. Use day-old bread for a crispier topping. For gluten-free or vegetarian adaptations, substitute pasta, flour, bread, and broth as needed. Broil briefly for extra crunch but watch closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, French onion soup, comfort food, fall recipe, baked pasta, caramelized onions, cheesy casserole, crispy topping, easy dinner, crowd pleaser

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/crispy-french-onion-soup-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-cozy-fall-comfort/