French Onion Soup Mac Cheese

French Onion Soup Mac Cheese Comfort Food Done Right

By Sally Thompson September 21, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of posh nosh, eh? Ever thought about mashing up two absolute classics? I'm talking about that proper comforting french onion soup mac and cheese.

Yeah, you heard it right! It's like a warm hug on a cold day, but with extra cheese .

Quick Hook

Been craving something outrageously delicious? This french onion soup mac and cheese recipe takes the best of both worlds! Think sweet, savory, cheesy, and utterly addictive.

It's comfort food fusion at its finest.

Brief Overview

This dish is a brilliant twist on French Onion Soup, reimagined as a cheesy onion pasta bake . It's not exactly haute cuisine , but this gourmet mac and cheese is dead easy to whip up.

Allow around 1 hour 10 minutes from start to finish, and you will get 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

This recipe is loaded with calcium from the cheese and the milk. This french onion soup inspired mac is the perfect comfort meal after a long week.

What makes this french onion soup mac and so special is the rich, caramelized onion flavor that is layered throughout.

Time to gather your bits and bobs. Let's get ready to rustle up this caramelized onion mac and cheese . You'll need your onions, butter, flour, cheeses. Don't forget the macaroni itself!

Alright, let's get into what you'll need to whip up this epic french onion soup mac and cheese. Honestly, it's easier than you think. It's total comfort food fusion at its finest.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

We'll break this down so it's dead simple. You know how some recipes feel like chemistry experiments? Not this one!

Onions : 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 1 kg / 2.2 lbs ). The quality? Go for firm, heavy onions. They caramelize better.
Butter : 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 30g / 1 oz ) for the onions, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 60g / 2 oz ) for the sauce.
Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml / 0.5 fl oz ).
Sugar : 1 teaspoon granulated ( 5g / 0.2 oz ). This helps the onions caramelize just right.
Salt & Pepper : 1/2 teaspoon salt ( 2.5g / 0.09 oz ), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25g / 0.04 oz ) for the onions and then the same for the sauce.
Sherry (Optional) : 1/4 cup dry sherry ( 60 ml / 2 fl oz ). This adds a touch of gourmet mac and cheese flavor. If you do not have this you can ignore it.
Beef Broth : 1 cup ( 240 ml / 8 fl oz ) - the base of our beef broth mac and cheese .
Elbow Macaroni : 1 pound ( 450g / 1 lb ).
Flour : 1/4 cup all-purpose ( 30g / 1 oz ).
Milk : 3 cups whole milk ( 720 ml / 24 fl oz ).
Nutmeg : 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ( 1.25g / 0.04 oz ).
Cheddar Cheese : 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar ( 450g / 1 lb ).
Gruyere Cheese : 1 cup shredded Gruyere ( 115g / 4 oz ) for that proper gruyere mac and cheese experience. Honestly, Gruyere is KEY.

Seasoning Notes

Okay, so about the spices... These combos are banging.

Nutmeg in the cheese sauce? Trust me, it's a game changer. Just a pinch gives it that warm, cosy vibe.
Sherry: If you're feeling fancy, a splash of sherry in the onions elevates the whole french onion soup inspired mac . If you don't have any, a dash of balsamic vinegar works too.
For a caramelized onion mac and cheese extra yum, a bay leaf simmered in the milk while making the sauce adds a subtle depth. Just remember to fish it out before adding the cheese.

Equipment Needed

Don't stress; we're keeping it simple.

A large pot or Dutch oven: Crucial for caramelizing the onions. You want something heavy bottomed to avoid scorching.
Saucepan: For the cheese sauce. Any medium sized saucepan will do the trick.
9x13 inch baking dish : For assembling and baking the french onion soup mac and cheese casserole .
Cheese grater: Because pre-shredded cheese just isn't the same.
Slotted spoon: To get those onions out of the pot without all the extra liquid.

That's it! You've got all the gear to create this cheesy onion pasta bake . Let's cook!

Alright, let's dive into how we're going to make this banging French Onion Soup Mac and . Seriously, this isn't your nan's mac and cheese; it's a proper comfort food fusion , a grown-up, sophisticated twist on a childhood classic.

It's almost like a french onion soup inspired mac , but way easier to eat with a fork.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Your Mate

French Onion Soup Mac Cheese presentation

First things first, let's get our ducks in a row. Essential mise en place is key. Chop those 3 large yellow onions , grate 4 cups of that lush cheddar and 1 cup of Gruyere cheese.

Honestly, grating cheese is the worst job ever. But proper prep saves time later. Get the 1 pound of macaroni ready.

Having everything ready to go means no last minute panics.

step-by-step: Building a Cheesy Onion Pasta Bake

Okay, here's how we're gonna pull this off:

Caramelize those onions! Cook sliced onions with 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large pot over medium low heat for 30- 40 minutes , stirring occasionally.

You're looking for a deep golden brown. Don't rush it!
Deglaze the pot with 1/4 cup Sherry (optional) and cook until evaporated. Then, stir in 1 cup beef broth. Simmer for a few minutes. The aroma alone will knock your socks off.
Cook 1 pound elbow macaroni al dente . You don't want mushy pasta, you know?
Make a cheese sauce with 4 tablespoons butter, 1/4 cup flour, and 3 cups milk. Whisk, whisk, whisk until smooth.

Simmer for 5 minutes , stirring, then melt in that cheddar. Add salt, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. This is getting serious, you know?
Combine the macaroni and cheese sauce. Layer in a baking dish with the caramelized onions, sprinkle with Gruyere , and bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Gourmet Mac and Cheese

Don't skimp on the cheese! Seriously, that Gruyere is what makes this French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe so special. You could try Fontina or Swiss if you have to, but Gruyere is the boss here.
You can make the caramelized onion mac and cheese casserole ahead of time. Just assemble and refrigerate before baking.
If you're feeling fancy, a splash of dry Sherry or white wine in the onion mixture adds a proper sophisticated edge. You can also try it with beef broth mac and cheese for a beefier flavor.

Honestly, this recipe is a game changer. A French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese Casserole is just the ticket when you're craving something comforting, cheesy, and a bit posh all at the same time.

Enjoy!

Alright, so you've got this amazing french onion soup mac and cheese recipe ready to go. Before we send it out into the wild, let's talk about some important recipe notes! These are bits that make your French Onion Mac and Cheese Recipe truly shine.

Recipe Deets: Stuff You Need to Know!

Serving It Up Right

Presentation matters, you know? For plating, think rustic chic. I reckon you could scoop some of this French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese Casserole into a bowl.

Then, top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A sprig of thyme also looks amazing. For sides, I'd go with something light.

A simple green salad does the trick. And to drink? A crisp, dry white wine would be amazing. It complements the rich flavors.

Honestly, this gourmet mac and cheese is quite filling, so don't overdo it.

Storing the Goodness

Let's say you have leftovers - score! Store your cheesy onion pasta bake in an airtight container. It will happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days .

Want to freeze it? That's cool too. Just portion it out first. Use freezer safe containers. It'll keep for up to 2 months .

Reheating is easy. Just pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit till bubbly. Or, microwave it if you're in a rush.

Just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Remixing the Recipe: Comfort Food Fusion

Want to mix things up? Totally get it. For a veggie version, swap beef broth for vegetable broth. Easy peasy! I have also use beef broth mac and cheese but that is my preference.

Feeling adventurous? A pinch of cayenne adds a nice kick. For a seasonal twist, use different cheeses. A Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese with smoked Gouda in autumn would be divine.

Oh my gosh! The possibilities are endless.

Gruyere Mac and Cheese : The Health(ish) Lowdown

Okay, alright, let's keep it real, this Mac and Cheese with Sherry isn't exactly a health food. Each serving has about 550-650 calories.

But it does offer protein from the cheese and nutrients from the onions. The beef broth even packs a small nutritional punch.

Think of it as a treat for the soul - you earned it. We're not here to deprive ourselves of the French Onion Soup Inspired Mac .

So, there you have it! Now go forth and make some delicious french onion soup mac and cheese . Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

Honestly, it's hard to mess this one up. You got this!

Delicious Gruyere Mac and Cheese Taste the Secret

Frequently Asked Questions

Is French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese difficult to make? I'm not exactly a culinary wizard!

Don't worry, mate, it's not brain surgery! While caramelizing the onions does take a bit of time and patience (think "slow and steady wins the race"), the rest of the recipe is pretty straightforward. If you can boil pasta and melt cheese, you're halfway there.

Think of it like building IKEA furniture follow the instructions, and you'll be alright!

Can I make this French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. Then, just pop it in the oven when you're ready to bake, maybe adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.

It's like having a cheeky ready meal, but one that actually tastes amazing.

What if I don't have Gruyere cheese? What's a good substitute for this French Onion Soup Mac and?

No Gruyere? No worries, mate! While Gruyere gives that authentic French Onion Soup vibe, Fontina or Swiss cheese are decent substitutes. They'll still melt beautifully and add a nutty, slightly sweet flavor.

Just try to avoid anything too overpowering, like a strong cheddar, which might clash with the caramelized onions.

I'm trying to eat a bit healthier. Any tips for lightening up this French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese recipe?

Good on you for trying to keep things trim! You could use skim milk instead of whole milk for the cheese sauce, and consider swapping half of the cheddar for a lower fat cheese option.

Another good trick is to load up on veggies maybe add some chopped mushrooms or spinach to the mac and cheese for extra nutrients. You could even try cauliflower mac and cheese to slash some carbs.

How long does leftover French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese last, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions (add a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out) or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, covering it with foil if it starts to brown too quickly.

Just like a good Sunday roast, it's almost as good the second day!

Can I add meat to my french onion soup mac and cheese recipe, if so, what meat will be more preferable?

Of course you can! For a classic touch, consider adding crispy bacon crumbles for a savory and salty kick. Alternatively, browned ground beef can add heartiness to the dish, complementing the caramelized onions with its savory depth.

Both additions will enhance the richness of the mac and cheese and provide a satisfying meaty texture.