Introduction
If you’re searching for a cozy dish that brings together the comforting flavors of French onion soup and the creamy goodness of mac and cheese, look no further! This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is the ultimate fusion comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a little indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized (about 25-30 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and thyme, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the beef broth, stirring constantly. Add balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the onion soup mixture.
- Gradually fold in the Gruyère, cheddar, and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Top with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Broil in the oven on high for 3-5 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes or Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the onion mixture.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor.
- Serve with a crunchy side salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe showcases the art of caramelizing onions, which is key to developing that rich, sweet flavor. Patience is essential; let the onions cook slowly so they turn a beautiful golden brown without burning.
FAQ
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and onion mixture ahead and combine them before baking.
- What should I do if I don’t have Gruyère cheese? You can substitute with Swiss cheese or a combination of mozzarella and cheddar.
- Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth? Absolutely! This will make the dish vegetarian-friendly while still maintaining great flavor.
Conclusion
This rich and creamy French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its delicious blend of flavors and textures, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy this cozy delight!