🧅 Why You Need to Try French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
If you’re anything like me, you live for comfort food with a twist. And this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese? It’s everything. Imagine the deep, rich flavor of caramelized onions melting into a cheesy, creamy béchamel sauce… all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. It’s like your favorite soup and mac had a delicious, gooey baby—and we’re here for it!
This dish was born from one of those cozy nights where I couldn’t decide between soup and mac & cheese. So I thought, why not both?! And after one bite, I knew it was a keeper.
🔑 What Makes This Recipe So Special?
Let’s break it down:
- Caramelized Onions: We’re talking slow-cooked, golden brown, flavor-packed onions that give this dish its signature French onion soup vibe.
- Three Cheeses: Gruyère (for that authentic French touch), cheddar (for richness), and Swiss (for that extra cream factor).
- Creamy Roux-Based Sauce: Classic technique meets ultimate comfort.
- Broiled Cheesy Top: That golden layer of bubbling cheese? Chef’s kiss.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving something indulgent, or just love all things cheesy, this recipe will hit the spot.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta:
- ½ lb short pasta (elbow, shells, cavatappi — your call!)
- Salt for the pasta water
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Caramelized Onions:
- 2 lbs yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp butter
- Dash of olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Water (for deglazing)
Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- Dash of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth (or veggie broth)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- ½ cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
🍲 How To Make French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese
1. Cook Your Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Undercook the pasta slightly—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce!
2. Caramelize the Onions (A Labor of Love!)
Add 3 tbsp butter and a drizzle of olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your sliced onions and season with salt and pepper. Stir often and cook low and slow for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, adding a splash of water occasionally to deglaze the pan.
Trust me: This step is so worth the time. The flavor payoff? Insane.
Once the onions are soft, sweet, and a deep golden color, remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Build That Creamy Dreamy Sauce
In the same pan, melt 3 tbsp butter with a splash of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 2 minutes. Then whisk in the flour to make a roux. Let it bubble and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Slowly pour in your milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then add the cream and broth. Season generously with thyme, paprika, garlic/onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Cheese, Please!
Add the Gruyère, cheddar, and Swiss cheeses into your sauce, whisking until smooth and velvety. Toss your caramelized onions back in. Stir to combine.
5. Time To Combine
Add the cooked pasta and a splash of that reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and evenly coats the pasta. Adjust with more water if needed.
6. Broil & Finish
Transfer your mac to a broiler-safe dish. Top with extra cheese (yes, always more cheese) and broil on high for 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
💡 Tips for the Best French Onion Mac Ever
- Be patient with the onions. Rushing = burnt onions, not caramelized perfection.
- Use a combo of cheeses. Gruyère gives you that authentic French onion soup flavor.
- Want it vegetarian? Swap beef broth for mushroom or veggie broth!
- Make ahead: You can caramelize the onions a day or two in advance to save time.
🍽️ What To Serve With It
- A crisp green salad (to balance the richness)
- Garlic bread or baguette slices
- Crispy roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
🔁 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. It’s just as dreamy the next day.
🤤 Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Mac & Cheese?
French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is the kind of dish that feels fancy but still hits that cozy, soul-warming spot. It’s perfect for holidays, cold nights, or anytime you want something next-level comforting.
Try it once, and I promise—it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.
📌 Save It, Share It, Crave It!
If you make this dish, tag me @KeiraRecipes on IG or drop a comment below—I love seeing your recreations and twists!