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 warm, satisfying dish perfect for cozy nights when you want something indulgent and flavorful.

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 ½ 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 ½ 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. 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, then melt in the Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until creamy and combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Boil 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.
4. Step 4: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the velvety sauce.
5. Step 5: 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, 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.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
• Try adding caramelized mushrooms for an extra layer of savory flavor.
• Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or fontina to vary the texture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac & cheese mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Add the topping just before broiling for the best texture.

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

If Gruyère is unavailable, Swiss cheese or Emmental are good substitutes that offer a similar nutty flavor and melt well.

Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl Recipe

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4.9 from 109 reviews

This Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni, creating a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for cozy dinners. The dish features slow-cooked golden onions blended into a velvety cheese sauce made with Gruyère and sharp white cheddar, layered with elbow macaroni, and optionally topped with toasted baguette slices and extra cheese broiled to golden perfection.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions and Flavor 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 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

Pasta and Toppings

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• Optional: French bread or baguette slices for toasting
• Extra grated cheese for topping (about ½ cup)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook the thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the onions turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor that is the foundation for the soup-inspired sauce.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle the flour evenly 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 becomes smooth and thickened. Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, stirring through. Then melt in the grated Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until the sauce is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you need to loosen the cheese sauce later.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni directly into the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring that every piece is evenly coated with the luscious, velvety sauce for maximum flavor and creaminess.
5. Bake or Broil Optional Topping: Transfer the combined mac and cheese mixture to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and optionally place toasted baguette slices on top. Broil briefly until the top is bubbly and golden brown, mimicking the classic French onion soup crouton finish. Be sure to watch carefully to prevent burning.

Notes

• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian version.
• Half-and-half can be substituted with heavy cream for a richer sauce or with milk for a lighter version.
• To toast baguette slices, brush lightly with butter and toast in the oven until crisp and golden before adding on top.
• Broiling time varies by oven; keep a close eye to avoid burning the cheese topping.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven with added moisture.

Keywords: French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese