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