Hearty French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Creamy mac and french onion mac and cheese promise a delightful culinary adventure that blends comfort with gourmet flair.

Caramelized onions add rich, sweet complexity to the classic pasta dish.

Sharp gruyère cheese melts into silky strands, creating irresistible depth.

Golden breadcrumbs sprinkled across the top deliver a satisfying crunch in every bite.

Layers of flavor emerge from carefully sautéed onions and carefully selected cheeses.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like elegant restaurant experiences with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

You can’t help but fall in love with each decadent spoonful of this cheesy masterpiece.

Best Sides With French Onion Mac And Cheese

• Elevate French Onion Mac and Cheese Pairings
• Harmonize Wine Selection: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy cheese and complement the caramelized onion flavors.
• Craft Perfect Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to balance the heavy, decadent mac and cheese with fresh, tangy notes.
• Match Protein Companion: Serve alongside roasted chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin to add lean protein that contrasts the dish's creamy texture and enhances overall meal satisfaction.

How To Store French Onion Mac And Cheese Well

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Quick Answers For French Onion Mac And Cheese

• What makes the caramelized onions so special in this recipe?

The slow cooking process over medium heat for 20-25 minutes breaks down the onions’ natural sugars, creating a deep, rich, sweet flavor that adds complex depth to the mac and cheese.

• Can I use different types of cheese if I don't have Gruyere?

Yes, you can substitute Gruyere with Swiss cheese or fontina, which have similar melting properties and nutty flavor profiles that work well in this recipe.

• Why does the recipe include balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard?

These ingredients add tangy, complex notes that enhance the caramelized onions’ flavor and provide a subtle brightness to the rich, creamy mac and cheese.

Why French Onion Mac And Cheese Is So Rich

• Elevate Comfort Food: Transform classic mac and cheese into a gourmet experience with caramelized onions and fancy cheese, creating a sophisticated twist on a beloved dish.
• Master Layered Flavors: Combine French onion techniques with creamy mac and cheese, delivering a complex taste profile that balances sweet caramelized onions, rich cheeses, and aromatic herbs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Impress family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that looks and tastes incredible, perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and special dinners.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy multiple textural elements like crispy garlic breadcrumbs, creamy cheese sauce, and golden-brown crunchy top that make every bite exciting and memorable.

What Goes In French Onion Mac And Cheese

• Macaroni: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base for this comforting mac and cheese dish.
• Onions: Sweet, golden-brown caramelized onions that add depth and rich flavor to the recipe.
• Cheese Blend: Gruyere and cheddar cheeses that create a creamy, luxurious sauce with complex flavor profiles.

• Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk: Creamy dairy components that help create a smooth and rich cheese sauce.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps in creating the roux and caramelizing onions.

• Baguette, Garlic Cloves: Crispy toasted bread base that adds a crunchy topping with aromatic garlic flavor.
• Crispy Fried Onions, Bay Leaf, Thyme, Parsley, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spices and aromatics that enhance the overall taste and texture of the dish.
• Dijon Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy condiments that add complexity and depth to the caramelized onion flavor.
• Flour: Used to create a roux for thickening the cheese sauce.
• Olive Oil, Salt: Basic cooking ingredients that help in sautéing and seasoning.

Simple Method For French Onion Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.

Step 2: Create Garlic Breadcrumbs

Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast until golden and crispy, about 10 minutes. Rub whole garlic cloves across the toasted bread slices. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and reserve.

Step 4: Caramelize Onions

• Julienned onions
• Salt

Cook while stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until onions turn golden brown and deeply caramelized.

Step 5: Season Onion Mixture

• Bay leaf
• Thyme
• Parsley
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dijon mustard
• Balsamic vinegar

Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Develop Roux

Melt remaining butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Create Creamy Base

Gradually add evaporated milk and whole milk to the roux, whisking constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Blend Cheese Sauce

Remove from heat and stir in Gruyere and cheddar cheeses until smooth and melted.

Step 9: Combine Cheese and Onions

Mix caramelized onions into the cheese sauce.

Step 10: Assemble Mac and Cheese

Toss cooked macaroni with cheese-onion sauce and transfer to prepared baking dish.

Step 11: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle toasted garlic breadcrumbs and crispy fried onions over the mac and cheese.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until top turns golden brown and edges bubble.

Step 13: Rest and Serve

Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips To Improve French Onion Mac And Cheese

• Slice onions uniformly to ensure even caramelization, creating a rich, sweet base for the sauce.
• Choose high-quality Gruyere and sharp cheddar for maximum flavor complexity and creamy texture.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately to maintain their crispy crunch, preventing sogginess during baking.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for brighter, more vibrant taste notes that complement the deep caramelized onion flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the roux to prevent a grainy cheese sauce; whisk constantly and remove from heat once thickened.

Yummy Twists On French Onion Mac And Cheese

• Smoky Bacon Mac: Crisp chopped bacon and smoked paprika elevate the classic recipe, adding rich, savory depth to the cheese sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Mac: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired variation with bright, tangy flavors.
• Truffle Mushroom Mac: Blend sautéed wild mushrooms and a drizzle of truffle oil into the cheese sauce, creating an earthy, luxurious version of the dish.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Mac: Mix in diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and crispy jalapeño slices on top for a fiery, creamy mac and cheese experience.

French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this French onion mac and cheese, blending caramelized onions with creamy, rich cheese sauce. Crispy breadcrumb topping and deep flavor profiles make this dish irresistible for weekend dinners you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Bread:

• 1 pound dry jumbo elbow macaroni
• 1/2 baguette, cut into 1/2-inch slices (12 slices total)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 7 ounces (198 grams) Gruyere cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 7 ounces (198 grams) aged cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 1 can (12 ounces / 354 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 2 1/2 cups (591 milliliters) whole milk, room temperature
• 5 tablespoons salted butter, divided

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 4 cups sweet onions, julienned
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup crispy fried onions
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter for optimal non-stick preparation.
2. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet, toasting in the oven for 10 minutes until crisp and golden. Infuse toasted bread with whole garlic cloves by rubbing them across the surface. Set garlic-rubbed croutons aside.
3. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
4. Combine butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Introduce julienned onions and salt, slowly caramelizing for 20-25 minutes until rich, deep golden brown.
5. Enhance caramelized onions with bay leaf, thyme, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Create a roux by melting remaining butter and whisking in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, developing a nutty aroma.
7. Gradually incorporate evaporated and whole milk into the roux, continuously whisking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
8. Remove sauce from heat and integrate Gruyere and cheddar cheeses until completely melted and silky smooth.
9. Fold caramelized onions into the cheese sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
10. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese-onion mixture, transferring to the prepared baking dish.
11. Generously sprinkle toasted garlic breadcrumbs and crispy fried onions across the surface.
12. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top achieves a golden, bubbling crust.
13. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving, enabling flavors to settle and sauce to slightly firm.

Notes

• Toast bread slices early to ensure crispy, golden texture that adds delightful crunch to the mac and cheese.
• Caramelize onions slowly over medium heat for deep, rich flavor development and golden-brown color.
• Use a mix of Gruyere and cheddar cheeses to create a complex, layered cheese sauce with nutty and sharp notes.
• Experiment with gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 35-40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 498 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 640 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg