Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl Recipe

Introduction

This Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with creamy, cheesy macaroni. It’s a warm and indulgent dish perfect for cozy evenings when you want a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• Optional: French bread or baguette slices for toasting
• Extra grated cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slowly cook the thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
2. Step 2: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat them evenly.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth and half-and-half or heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, then melt in the Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until creamy and fully combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
6. Step 6: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated with the velvety sauce.
7. Step 7: Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and toasted baguette slices if desired.
8. Step 8: Broil briefly until the topping is bubbly and golden brown, resembling the classic French onion soup crouton finish. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

• Take your time caramelizing the onions low and slow to develop the best deep, sweet flavor.
• Combine Gruyère and sharp cheddar for a perfect balance of nutty sweetness and tangy sharpness.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Broil toppings carefully since they can burn quickly.
• Add fresh thyme near the end of sauce preparation to preserve its brightness and aroma.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess as needed. For best texture, you can also reheat under a broiler to refresh the golden topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any short pasta like shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly without compromising flavor.

Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

This Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl combines the rich, caramelized onion flavors of classic French onion soup with a creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese base. Made with a blend of Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses, slow-cooked sweet onions, and a velvety cheese sauce, this comforting dish offers a sophisticated twist perfect for cozy dinners. Optional baked toppings of toasted baguette slices and extra cheese bring a crunchy, golden finish that echoes traditional French onion soup croutons.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: French-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onion Base

• 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated

Pasta & Topping

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• Optional: French bread or baguette slices for toasting
• Extra grated cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Slowly cook the thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor. This low and slow process is critical for deep caramelization and sweetness.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat evenly. Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth and half-and-half or heavy cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Add minced garlic and dried thyme, then melt in the Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses, stirring continuously until creamy and fully combined. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3. Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case the sauce needs to be loosened later for consistency adjustment.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is evenly coated with the luscious, velvety sauce for maximum flavor and creaminess.
5. Optional Bake or Broil Topping: Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and toasted baguette slices if desired. Place under the broiler briefly until the top becomes bubbly and golden brown, creating a crunchy, flavorful topping reminiscent of classic French onion soup croutons. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Notes

• Take your time caramelizing the onions low and slow to develop the best deep, sweet flavor.
• Combining Gruyère and sharp cheddar offers a perfect balance of nutty sweetness and tangy sharpness.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Broil toppings carefully as they can burn very quickly.
• Add dried thyme near the end of preparing the cheese sauce to maintain its brightness and aroma.

Keywords: French onion soup, macaroni and cheese, comfort bowl, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, cheddar cheese, creamy cheese sauce, baked mac and cheese