French Onion Mac and Cheese

French Onion Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that hits the comfort food sweet spot perfectly. With its rich layers of flavors and creamy textures, it’s no wonder I keep returning to this recipe time and again. Imagine a cozy dinner at home, the aroma of caramelized onions wafting through the kitchen, melting cheese bubbling in a dish that promises satisfaction in every bite. This dish is perfect for gathering the family around the table, whether it’s on a chilly weeknight or a special occasion when you’re looking to impress.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are countless reasons to try this French Onion Mac and Cheese recipe. First off, it brings together two beloved comfort foods—mac and cheese paired with the deeply savory sweetness of French onion soup. It’s a luxurious dish that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home, saving you money on dining out. It’s kid-approved, making it a surefire hit with the little ones, while adults can appreciate the depth of flavor from the caramelized onions and a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese.

"Absolutely delicious! I made this for a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds. It’s a cozy dish that warms you from the inside out!" – A happy home cook

Preparing French Onion Mac and Cheese

Let’s break down how this delightful recipe comes together. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity, combining straightforward cooking techniques with a few quality ingredients. The process begins with cooking the macaroni, followed by caramelizing the onions, and finally assembling everything into a cheesy, gooey masterpiece that’s baked to perfection. We’ll also cover the essential ingredients you’ll need, ensuring you have everything on hand for a delightful meal.

What you’ll need

To make this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 oz macaroni pasta
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Gruyère)
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

Feel free to substitute the cheese for your favorites; mozzarella or a nice aged gouda can work perfectly, too!

Directions to follow

1. Begin by cooking the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and let them cook, stirring frequently, until they’re beautifully caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Patience is key here—the slow cooking enhances their natural sweetness!
3. In a saucepan, combine the milk and flour over medium heat, whisking until smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and gradually add the cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
4. Mix the cooked macaroni and caramelized onions into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. If you like, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
7. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Best ways to enjoy it

This French Onion Mac and Cheese isn’t just delicious on its own; there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy it! You can serve it alongside a fresh green salad for a delightful contrast. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms. Feel free to experiment with toppings, too—crispy bacon or sautéed spinach can take it to a whole new level.

Storage and reheating tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked mac and cheese; cover it tightly and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

Helpful cooking tips

Here are a few pro tips to elevate your mac and cheese game:

• Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Adding a bit of parmesan can give it a nutty finish.
• For an extra layer of sweetness, sprinkle a pinch of sugar into the onions while they caramelize.
• Don’t rush the caramelization process—you want the onions to develop their deep, rich flavor.

Creative twists

Looking to spice things up? Here are some variations you can consider:

• Add a touch of white wine to the onions while they caramelize for a bit of acidity.
• Mix in cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor.
• For a vegetarian twist, consider incorporating sautéed spinach or kale.

Your questions answered

1. How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
Total prep and cooking time is about 45 minutes.

2. Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

3. What cheeses work best?
A combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère offers a great flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites.

4. Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking, but be sure to thaw and reheat it properly for the best texture.

With this recipe, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making—and eating—your French Onion Mac and Cheese!

French Onion Mac and Cheese

A comforting dish that combines creamy mac and cheese with the savory sweetness of caramelized onions, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, French

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Onions

• 8 oz macaroni pasta Use elbow macaroni for the best texture.
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced Yellow or sweet onions work well.

Cooking Fats

• 2 tablespoons butter Unsalted butter is recommended.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor.

Cheese and Sauce

• 2 cups shredded cheese (a mix of cheddar and Gruyère) Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses.
• 2 cups milk Whole milk works best for creaminess.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Helps to thicken the cheese sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds depth to the sauce.
• to taste salt and pepper Season according to your preference.

Topping

• as needed Breadcrumbs for topping Optional, for added crunch.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Cook the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until caramelized, about 15-20 minutes.
• In a saucepan, combine the milk and flour over medium heat, whisking until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and gradually add cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

Combination and Baking

• Mix the cooked macaroni and caramelized onions into the cheese sauce until well combined.
• Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Serving

• Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or adding a touch of white wine to the onions while they caramelize. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Keyword Cheesy Pasta, comfort food, Family Dinner, French Onion, Mac and Cheese