Introduction
Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic comfort dish—French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese! This warm, creamy pasta creation captures the essence of rich, caramelized onions and savory beef broth, all enveloped in melted cheese. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at your next gathering. Let’s dive into this cheesy delight that will surely warm your heart and satisfy your hunger!
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by cooking the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, along with the sugar, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the onions are beautifully caramelized, which should take about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and thyme into the onion mixture, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and inviting.
- Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to combine. Allow it to cook for about 1 minute for the flour to remove its raw taste.
- Gradually pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly as the mixture comes together. Continue to cook until it thickens, which will take around 4-5 minutes.
- Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece of pasta is enveloped in that flavorful onion mixture.
- Now, stir in the shredded Gruyère, mozzarella, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and wonderfully combined.
- Transfer this cheesy pasta goodness to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top to create a deliciously crispy crust.
- Broil in the oven on high for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes or Tips
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite herbs or even a splash of white wine for extra depth of flavor. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth, and you’ll still enjoy that rich, comforting essence.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe features the technique of caramelizing onions, which involves cooking the onions slowly in butter until they turn golden brown and sweeten up, enhancing their flavor beautifully. Make sure to keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally to prevent burning. Broiling at the end gives that perfect finishing touch, creating a bubbly and crispy cheese layer that is simply irresistible!
FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just broil it right before serving to achieve that perfect crust.
What cheese can I substitute for Gruyère?
If Gruyère is hard to find, Swiss cheese is a great alternative that will still give you that creamy texture and flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it—French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese, a sublime blend of two classic dishes that’s bound to be a hit at your table. With its melty cheese, rich flavors, and comforting essence, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Gather your loved ones, serve it up, and enjoy the moments shared over this heartwarming meal!