French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese
With layers of sweet, deeply caramelized onions, gooey Gruyère, Parmesan cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that elevates mac and cheese to gourmet levels. If you’re a fan of both comfort classics, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together into one irresistible meal.
Oct 27, 2025
This recipe combines the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. The result is a comforting, savory dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or indulgent weekend meals. With layers of sweet, deeply caramelized onions, gooey Gruyère, Parmesan cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that elevates mac and cheese to gourmet levels. If you’re a fan of both comfort classics, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together into one irresistible meal.
Caramelized Onions: The Key to French Onion Flavor
The heart of this dish lies in the caramelized onions, which take time to develop their deep, sweet, and savory flavor. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, non-stick pot over medium heat. Add the onions and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Cover and let cook undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing the natural sugars in the onions to start breaking down. After removing the lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue to cook the onions, stirring every few minutes. This slow-cooking process takes about 1.5 hours but ensures the onions become golden brown and deeply flavorful, a hallmark of French onion soup.
Cooking the Pasta
While your onions are caramelizing, prepare the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta just shy of al dente. This ensures it doesn’t become overcooked when it bakes in the oven. After draining the pasta, you can either drizzle it with a little olive oil or keep it in a few cups of the pasta water to prevent sticking.
Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce
The creamy base of this French Onion Mac and Cheese comes together in the same pot. After removing the caramelized onions, melt 3 more tablespoons of butter, then stir in the flour to create a roux. Cooking this for about 3 minutes helps get rid of any raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk, then add most of the Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Half of the caramelized onions get mixed in at this stage, infusing the sauce with that iconic French onion flavor. Season with salt and pepper, then add the drained pasta, coating it thoroughly in the cheesy sauce.
Topping and Baking
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a large baking dish. Top it with the remaining caramelized onions and a layer of Gruyère and Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness. For a perfect crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle them over the top. Bake at 400°F for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Garnish with chopped chives for a fresh, herbal finish that complements the richness of the dish.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This recipe is the ultimate combination of two classic comfort foods. The caramelized onions bring a deep umami sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy Gruyère cheese sauce. The breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch to contrast the cheesy, gooey interior. This dish is perfect for those looking to elevate traditional mac and cheese into something special with a sophisticated twist. Plus, with trending ingredients like Gruyère cheese and panko breadcrumbs, this recipe taps into both gourmet flavors and comfort food trends.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party, bringing a side to a potluck, or just looking for a comforting meal, this French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese is a standout dish. It’s indulgent, rich, and packed with bold flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. For a complete meal, pair it with a light green salad or roasted vegetables.
This French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese recipe takes the comforting elements of mac and cheese and elevates them with the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup. It’s the perfect fusion dish that offers a delicious twist on two classic favorites. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence, this dish is sure to impress.
Key Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: A versatile type of flour made from a blend of hard and soft wheat.
- Whole Milk: A rich dairy product containing around 3.25% fat, providing a creamy texture and full flavor.
- Sweet Onions: A mild and less pungent variety of onion, known for their slightly sweet flavor.
Hey! My name is Ryan Nordheimer. Welcome to my cooking and baking site. I’m a 25-year old home cook living in the East Village in New York City. Hopefully you enjoy my food through my own, tried-and-true recipes.
Ingredients (11)
Ingredients (11)
Instructions
In a large pot (non-stick works great) over medium, add 2 tbsp of butter, the onions (4 large), and 1/2 tsp kosher salt.
Add the lid and cook for 10 minutes undisturbed.
Remove the lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to cook stirring every few minutes until the onions are caramelized and a deep golden color, about 1.5 hours.
Meanwhile, toward the end of cooking the onions, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season with salt ( to taste).
Boil the pasta (1 lb) a few minutes short of al dente. Drain, keeping the pasta in a few cups of the pasta water to prevent sticking.
Preheat oven to 400F. Remove onions to a small bowl.
In the pot, add 3 more tbsp butter and the flour (¼ cup). Cook stirring constantly for 3 minutes over medium heat.
Gradually stir in the milk (2 ½ cups). Then add most of the gruyere (12 oz) and parmesan (4 oz). Stir in half of the onions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the drained pasta.
Add to a large baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses and onion.
In a small bowl, drizzle breadcrumbs (¼ cup) with the olive oil (1 Tbsp), then add to the top of the dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Garnish with chives (1 Tbsp).
