Print

French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 111 reviews

This French Onion Mac and Cheese recipe combines the rich, caramelized sweetness of slow-cooked onions with creamy, cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection. Featuring a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses, a nutmeg-spiced béchamel sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish offers a comforting twist on classic mac and cheese with sophisticated layers of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta and Cheese Sauce

  • 1 pound short cut pasta, cooked according to package instructions
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 12 ounces Gruyere cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Topping

  • ⅓ cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • Fresh thyme, for serving

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a big pinch of kosher salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions soften, about 10 to 15 minutes. Then reduce heat to low or medium-low and continue cooking the onions, stirring frequently, for 60 to 90 minutes until golden and caramelized. If onions begin to burn, reduce heat or add a few splashes of water to keep them moist.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce: Once onions are caramelized, transfer most of them to a plate, reserving a small amount for topping. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden and smells nutty. Gradually add milk in a slow stream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in nutmeg and cook until the sauce thickens.
  4. Add Cheese and Combine Ingredients: Stir in nearly all of the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted. Add in ¾ of the caramelized onions, then incorporate the cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly to combine all components evenly.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Top the pasta mixture with the reserved cheese and remaining caramelized onions. Sprinkle the seasoned bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme before serving.

Notes

  • For quicker caramelization of onions, add 1 teaspoon sugar, honey, or maple syrup during cooking and stir often, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless stovetop to oven cooking and easier cleanup.
  • Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Emmental or Swiss cheese for a milder flavor if desired.
  • Seasoned breadcrumbs add a flavorful, crispy topping; plain breadcrumbs can be enhanced with a pinch of herbs and salt.
  • Make sure to stir constantly when adding milk to the roux to prevent lumps in the béchamel sauce.

Keywords: French Onion Mac and Cheese, caramelized onions, Gruyere mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, French inspired

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/french-onion-mac-and-cheese-recipe/