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Creamy French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese

creamy french onion soup mac & cheese - featured image
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A rich and comforting mac & cheese recipe inspired by French onion soup, featuring caramelized onions and a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses for a cozy, cheesy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups beef broth (preferably Swanson)
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup French bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until onions turn golden brown and sweet, about 30-35 minutes. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick.
  3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour over the onions. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture will thicken and become paste-like.
  5. Slowly whisk in 2 cups beef broth and 2 cups whole milk. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually stir in 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar and 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese until fully melted and creamy.
  7. Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all pasta evenly.
  8. Optional baking step: Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer mac & cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle ½ cup French bread crumbs on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Notes

Patience is key when caramelizing onions to develop sweetness and depth. Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent grainy sauce. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances richness. Pasta should be cooked just shy of done to avoid mushiness after baking. Baking with breadcrumbs creates a crispy top, but skipping baking yields a creamier stovetop version.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion soup, mac and cheese, comfort food, caramelized onions, creamy cheese sauce, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-french-onion-soup-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-meal/