Description
French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring deeply caramelized onions, a savory beef broth-infused cheese sauce, and a blend of Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting dish is perfect for those who love rich, flavorful meals with a gourmet touch. It can be made vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth and optionally baked for a crispy top.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth (use vegetable broth for vegetarian version)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions, salt, and sugar. Cook slowly for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the Sauce: Gradually add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Pour in the milk, then add Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add the Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls or plates and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a baked version, transfer the prepared mac and cheese into a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil for 3 to 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Caramelizing onions requires patience but is essential for the deep flavor characteristic of French onion soup.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese varieties to your preference for a personalized twist.
