If you adore the deep, savory flavor of classic French onion soup and the creamy comfort of mac and cheese, this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese merges both into one unforgettable dish. Caramelized onions, rich beefy undertones, melty cheese, and tender pasta come together in a luscious sauce that tastes like your favorite bistro soup transformed into the ultimate comfort food. I first made this on a chilly evening when I wanted a twist on traditional mac and cheese, and it quickly became a household favorite. The sweetness of slow-cooked onions pairs beautifully with Gruyère and Parmesan, creating a dish that feels gourmet yet incredibly cozy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese delivers everything you love about French onion soup—sweet caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese—folded into creamy macaroni. It’s rich, comforting, and elevated without being complicated. You’ll love how the slow-cooked onions deepen the flavor, how the cheese melts into a silky sauce, and how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish. It’s perfect for cold nights, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a bowl of pure comfort.
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French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese – Cozy, Caramelized & Luxuriously Creamy
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and comforting fusion dish combining the deep, caramelized flavors of French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni for the ultimate gourmet comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps caramelize)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onions, salt, pepper, and sugar. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized.
- Add garlic and thyme; cook 1 minute.
- Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced (optional step).
- Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta directly into the skillet, stirring to submerge. Cook for 10–12 minutes until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
- Add Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy. If a thicker sauce is preferred, mix the cornstarch with a splash of water and stir in.
- Cook for 1–2 more minutes until fully combined and creamy.
- Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use caramelized onions cooked low and slow for the best flavor.
- Beef broth adds authentic French onion depth; substitute vegetable broth if needed.
- Add toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Gruyère is classic, but Swiss cheese can be substituted.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pan / Skillet
- Cuisine: French-American Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Yellow onions – Slowly caramelized to bring out sweetness and depth.
Butter – Helps brown the onions and adds richness to the cheese sauce.
Olive oil – Prevents butter from scorching during caramelization.
Beef broth – Infuses the dish with classic French onion soup flavor.
Pasta (elbows, cavatappi, or shells) – Holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
Milk or half-and-half – Creates a creamy base for the mac and cheese.
Gruyère cheese – The signature cheese of French onion soup; nutty and melty.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty depth and sharpness.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Fresh thyme – Adds earthy aroma and French-inspired flavor.
Worcestershire sauce (optional) – Adds savory, beefy undertones.
Bread crumbs (optional) – For a crisp topping if you choose to bake it.
Directions
Start by heating butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden and caramelized—about 25–30 minutes. Add fresh thyme and deglaze the pan with beef broth, simmering until slightly reduced.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk or half-and-half, whisking until smooth. Simmer until thickened. Add Gruyère and Parmesan, stirring until melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of Worcestershire if desired.
Stir caramelized onions and cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. If baking, transfer to a casserole dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs, and broil until golden.
Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh thyme.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Prep time is 10 minutes, onion caramelizing takes 25–30 minutes, cooking the pasta and sauce takes another 15 minutes. Total time: about 50–55 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creaminess. Freezing is possible but may slightly change the texture—defrost slowly and reheat with added liquid.
Variations and Customizations
Baked Gruyère Crust – Add extra cheese and broil for a bubbly top.
French Onion Chicken Mac – Add cooked shredded chicken for protein.
Extra Onion Lovers – Use 4–5 onions for deeper flavor.
White Wine Deglaze – Add a splash of white wine before the broth.
Caramelized Mushroom Version – Add mushrooms for earthy richness.
Four-Cheese Blend – Mix Gruyère, mozzarella, fontina, and Parmesan.
Herb-Infused Version – Add rosemary or sage alongside the thyme.
Broth-Forward Mac – Add extra beef broth for more soup-like flavor.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
Spicy Twist – Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
FAQs
Do I need to fully caramelize the onions?
Yes—this step builds the signature flavor.
Can I use chicken broth instead of beef?
Yes, but beef broth gives more authentic French onion flavor.
What cheese works best besides Gruyère?
Swiss, fontina, or provolone are excellent substitutes.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes—assemble and reheat with a splash of milk.
Can I bake it?
Absolutely—top with breadcrumbs and broil to crisp.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and vegetarian Worcestershire.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded melts best and prevents graininess.
Do I need wine?
No, but a splash adds depth if desired.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Heat too high or pre-shredded cheese can cause this—melt cheese gently.
Can I add protein?
Chicken, steak bites, or sausage all work well.
Conclusion
This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is creamy, flavorful, and everything comforting about both dishes rolled into one skillet. With caramelized onions, nutty melted Gruyère, and tender pasta, every bite is rich, savory, and soul-warming. It’s a cozy, elevated twist on traditional mac and cheese that’s guaranteed to become a favorite.
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