French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

French Onion Mac and Cheese is a mouthwatering fusion of two beloved comfort foods: creamy mac and cheese and rich, savory French onion soup. This recipe transforms the classic mac and cheese into something extraordinary by incorporating the deep, caramelized flavors of sweet onions, garlic, and a combination of Gruyère and cheddar cheeses. Topped with crispy fried onions for an added crunch, this dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a savory, oniony twist.

The key to this dish is the slow-cooked caramelized onions, which bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, blending beautifully with the cheesy sauce. The macaroni is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce made from a mixture of evaporated milk, whole milk, and melted butter, with a touch of Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar for a subtle depth of flavor. With a crispy baguette topping and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions, this French Onion Mac and Cheese is an irresistible dish that will quickly become a family favorite.

Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy both your mac and cheese cravings and your love for French onion soup in one delicious bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Unique Flavor Combination

This dish combines the creamy, cheesy comfort of mac and cheese with the savory, caramelized richness of French onion soup, creating a unique and flavorful meal.

2. Perfectly Balanced

The dish strikes a perfect balance between creamy and cheesy macaroni, sweet caramelized onions, and crunchy fried onions on top, offering a variety of textures and flavors in every bite.

3. Rich and Comforting

With its combination of Gruyère and cheddar cheeses, the mac and cheese sauce is rich, velvety, and indulgent, making it the ultimate comfort food.

4. Easy to Prepare

Despite its gourmet flavor, this recipe is straightforward and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced home cooks.

5. Crowd-Pleaser

This French Onion Mac and Cheese is perfect for entertaining and will impress guests at dinner parties, holidays, or casual family gatherings.

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Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• Baguette, cut into slices
• Garlic cloves
• Jumbo elbow macaroni
• Salted butter
• Olive oil
• Sweet onions, julienned
• Salt
• Bay leaf
• Dried thyme
• Dried parsley
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dijon mustard
• Balsamic vinegar
• Flour
• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk
• Gruyère cheese, shredded
• Aged cheddar cheese, shredded
• Crispy fried onions (for topping)

Variations

• Different Cheeses: While Gruyère and aged cheddar provide a rich, sharp flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or fontina for a different taste.
• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked bacon, sausage, or even grilled chicken to the mac and cheese.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit any meat-based toppings and focus on enhancing the flavor with extra herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy Kick: Add a little heat by mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baguette Topping

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the baguette into 1/2-inch slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Place the garlic cloves on the sheet as well. Toast the bread in the oven for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Once toasted, remove from the oven, discard the garlic skins, and set both the bread and garlic aside.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the jumbo elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the julienned onions and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes, until the onions are soft and deeply caramelized. Add the garlic cloves to the skillet in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir in the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then gradually pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir in the Gruyère and cheddar cheese, and continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Onions, and Cheese Sauce

Remove the bay leaf from the caramelized onions and garlic. In a large bowl or baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and caramelized onion mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Add the Baguette Topping

Break the toasted baguette slices into smaller pieces and mix them with the crispy fried onions. Scatter the mixture over the mac and cheese as a crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake the Mac and Cheese

Transfer the mac and cheese to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. If you prefer extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness of French Onion Mac and Cheese.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Caramelize the Onions Slowly: The key to great caramelized onions is patience. Cook them slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Use Room Temperature Milk: Using room temperature milk helps the sauce come together smoothly and prevents it from curdling.
• Adjust the Cheese: Feel free to adjust the cheese mixture to your liking. Gruyère offers a nutty flavor, while aged cheddar adds sharpness, but you can mix in other cheeses for a more personalized flavor profile.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the macaroni al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked with the sauce, ensuring a perfect texture.

How to Serve

French Onion Mac and Cheese is a hearty and satisfying dish that works well as a main course or side dish. Serve it with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the mac and cheese, or pair it with roasted meats like chicken, beef, or pork for a complete meal. This dish also makes an excellent comfort food for family gatherings or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Onion Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen before baking. Assemble the mac and cheese, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake according to the recipe instructions.

Reheating

Reheat the mac and cheese in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until hot and bubbly. For a crispy topping, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any type of pasta you like. Penne, shells, or even cavatappi would work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it is. If you want to add protein, you can include cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Gruyère and aged cheddar are recommended for their flavors, you can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or Monterey Jack.

4. Can I skip the balsamic vinegar?

The balsamic vinegar adds a subtle depth to the flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer. A splash of white wine vinegar or lemon juice could also be a good substitute.

5. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While freshly shredded cheese melts better, pre-shredded cheese can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to use high-quality cheese for the best flavor.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover it tightly and bake when you’re ready to serve.

7. Can I freeze French Onion Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and bake when ready to serve.

8. How do I make the top more crispy?

For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking, just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

9. What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

You can substitute evaporated milk with heavy cream or a combination of whole milk and a little extra butter, though the flavor may vary slightly.

10. Can I add more onions?

If you love onions, feel free to add more caramelized onions to the dish for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

French Onion Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creaminess of mac and cheese with the savory, sweet richness of French onion soup. With its creamy cheese sauce, caramelized onions, and crispy topping, this dish offers layers of flavor and texture that are sure to satisfy. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or as a side, this recipe is sure to impress and become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.

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