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French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese Easy Dinner Recipe

French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese

A rich, ultra-creamy mac and cheese inspired by the deep, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup. Packed with Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella, topped with a golden Parmesan breadcrumb crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Pasta
Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Onions
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Base
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Topping
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until caramelized, about 25–30 minutes. Stir in the garlic and thyme.
  3. Add the remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in the flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, then the milk and heavy cream until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in the Gruyère, cheddar, and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain, then combine with the cheese sauce and caramelized onions.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.

Notes

For deeper onion flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or sherry before adding the broth. You can also broil the top for 1–2 minutes for extra crispiness.