French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl

Y’all, picture this: It’s a chilly evening here in Texas, the kind that makes you want to curl up under a blanket. My kiddos, bless their hearts, are clamoring for mac and cheese, but I’m craving something a little more… sophisticated. That’s when it hit me – why not combine the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup? I’ve made this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl a half dozen times in my kitchen now, tweaking it until it’s just perfect, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! I promise you’ll get a bowl of pure comfort that the whole family will devour.

Why This Recipe Works

This ain’t your average mac and cheese, darlin’. This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl is a hug in a bowl, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights because:

• It’s a crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy, savory flavor.
• It’s relatively quick: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 45 minutes, tops.
• It’s easily customizable: You can use different cheeses, add protein, or adjust the seasonings to your liking.

After testing this recipe multiple times, I can confidently say it’s a winner! My family practically licks their bowls clean every time I make it.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup dry sherry (optional, but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 4 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Onions: Yellow onions are best because they caramelize beautifully and provide that classic French onion soup sweetness. Don’t rush the caramelization process; it’s key to the flavor.

Beef Broth: Using a good quality beef broth makes a world of difference. I like to use low sodium so I can control the saltiness. You can substitute with vegetable broth, but the flavor won’t be as rich.

Sherry: The sherry adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand or prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth with a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar.

Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere is the star of the show, providing a nutty, slightly tangy flavor. If you can’t find Gruyere, you can substitute it with Swiss or Fontina cheese. Don’t skip the cheddar though; it adds a nice sharpness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Caramelize the Onions. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. This takes time, so be patient! The onions should be sweet and jammy.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Broth, and Sherry. Add the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper to the caramelized onions. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth and sherry (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and a 1/2 cup of the milk until smooth. This will prevent lumps. Pour the flour mixture into the pot with the onion mixture. Gradually whisk in the remaining milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

Step 5: Add the Cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 3 cups of the Gruyere cheese and the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Reserve the remaining 1 cup of Gruyere for topping.

Step 6: Combine and Bake (Optional). Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. At this point, you can either serve it immediately or transfer it to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of Gruyere cheese and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. A sprinkle of extra black pepper is always welcome, too!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Don’t Rush the Onions: Caramelizing onions is the key to the flavor of French onion soup. Don’t try to speed up the process by cranking up the heat, or they’ll burn. Low and slow is the way to go.
• Use Good Quality Cheese: Gruyere is essential for that authentic French onion soup flavor. If you can’t find it, Swiss cheese is a decent substitute.
• Add a Pinch of Sugar: If your onions aren’t quite sweet enough, a pinch of sugar can help to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
• Make it Kid-Friendly: If your kids aren’t fans of onions, you can chop them very finely or even blend them into the sauce for a smoother texture.
• Broil for Extra Crispness: If you bake the mac and cheese, broil it for the last few minutes to get a crispy, golden-brown topping. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
• Add a Protein: Want to make it a complete meal? Add some shredded chicken, cooked bacon, or diced ham.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Leftover French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Make-Ahead: You can caramelize the onions a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. You can also make the entire mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be different.

Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.

Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as Gouda, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack. I haven’t personally tested all of these variations, but they should work well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. The entire mac and cheese can also be made ahead and baked just before serving for a quick and comforting meal.

How do I keep the mac and cheese from drying out?

The key is to not overcook it! Make sure the pasta is al dente and the cheese sauce is nice and creamy. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist.

Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you do freeze it, make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?

No problem! Swiss or Fontina cheese makes a great substitute. They both have a similar nutty flavor that complements the French onion soup base.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, but you might want to chop the onions very finely or even blend them into the sauce if your kids are picky eaters. The cheesy flavor is usually a hit with kids!

How do I make sure the onions caramelize properly?

Patience is key! Use low to medium heat, and stir occasionally. It takes time, but the sweet, golden onions are what make this recipe special. Don’t rush the process!

Serving Suggestions

This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even better:

• Serve with a side salad for a light and refreshing contrast.
• Top with crusty bread or croutons for added texture.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as thyme or chives.
• Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food experience!

Portion sizes will vary depending on your family’s appetite, but this recipe generally serves 6-8 people.

So, there you have it, friends. This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, a way to bring your family together, and a delicious adventure in your own kitchen. I truly hope you’ll give it a try and share your results in the comments below. And while you’re here, be sure to check out some of my other family-friendly recipes over at FamiliesRecipes.com. You can also sign up for my newsletter to get even more deliciousness delivered straight to your inbox! I hope you enjoy this French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl as much as my family does. Happy cooking, y’all!

`

Print