French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

This French Onion Mac and Cheese is a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the caramelized onions, rich cheese sauce, and crispy baguette topping. It’s the perfect dish for a cozy night in, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion dinner.

Why You’ll Love This French Onion Mac and Cheese

• Gourmet Flavors: This mac and cheese is elevated with the addition of caramelized onions and Gruyère cheese, giving it a sophisticated flavor that’s sure to impress.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The cheese sauce is incredibly creamy and cheesy, thanks to the combination of evaporated milk, whole milk, Gruyère cheese, and cheddar cheese.
• Crispy Topping: The toasted baguette slices and crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch to the dish.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even though it has a few steps.

this Recipe

Ingredients for French Onion Mac and Cheese

• Baguette: I use a half of a baguette for the topping, but you can use any type of crusty bread you like.
• Garlic: Whole garlic cloves are used to rub on the toasted baguette slices.
• Elbow Macaroni: I use jumbo elbow macaroni for this recipe, but you can use any type of pasta you prefer.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the caramelized onions and the cheese sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the onions.
• Sweet Onions: I prefer sweet onions for their mild flavor, but you can also use yellow onions.
• Salt: To season the pasta water and the onions.
• Bay Leaf, Dried Thyme, Dried Parsley, Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder: These spices and herbs add flavor to the caramelized onions.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy flavor to the onions.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Used to deglaze the pan and add a touch of acidity to the sauce.
• Flour: This helps to thicken the sauce.
• Evaporated Milk and Whole Milk: These create a rich and creamy sauce.
• Gruyère Cheese and Cheddar Cheese: I use a combination of Gruyère cheese and cheddar cheese for the best flavor and melty texture.
• Crispy Fried Onions: These add a crunchy topping to the mac and cheese.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Variations

Want to try something different? Here are a few ideas:

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Veggie Delight: Add some sauteed vegetables, like mushrooms or bell peppers, to the sauce.
• Different Cheeses: Try using different types of cheese, like fontina, Gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
• Herby Twist: Add some chopped fresh herbs, like chives or thyme, to the sauce.

How to Make French Onion Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Slice the baguette into 1/2-inch thick slices and lightly toast them in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and rub the toasted bread with the whole garlic cloves. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until barely al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and cover it with a clean, moist towel to prevent it from sticking together.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and 1 teaspoon of salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and toss the onions to coat them in the butter. Add the bay leaf, thyme, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine. Cook the onions, stirring every 2-3 minutes, for about 30-45 minutes, or until they’re deeply caramelized and golden brown.

Step 4: Deglaze and Make the Sauce

Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pan. Once melted, add the flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and whole milk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring often, until it thickens.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the Gruyère cheese and cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth before adding more.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the cooked macaroni to a buttered 3-quart casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle the top with crispy fried onions. Arrange the toasted baguette slices on top of the macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the baguette slices.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Pasta Texture: Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when baked in the casserole.
• Caramelized Onions: Be patient when caramelizing the onions. It takes time to develop their deep flavor and color.
• Cheese Melting: Add the cheese to the sauce gradually, stirring until melted before adding more, to prevent it from clumping.

How to Serve

This French Onion Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to this rich dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would also be delicious alongside this mac and cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can make the caramelized onions and the cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Storing: Store leftover mac and cheese in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the mac and cheese in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for the topping?
Yes, you can use any type of crusty bread, such as sourdough bread or ciabatta. Just make sure to slice it thinly so it toasts nicely in the oven.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use any type of cheese you like, but I recommend using a combination of Gruyère and cheddar for the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it later. You can also bake it ahead of time and reheat it before serving.

There you have it! A delicious and decadent recipe for French Onion Mac and Cheese. I hope you enjoy it!

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