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Introduction
French Onion Mac & Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that elevates traditional mac and cheese with the rich, savory flavors of French onion soup. This version combines the creamy, cheesy pasta you know and love with caramelized onions and a crispy, golden topping. The result is a cozy, decadent meal that’s perfect for colder months or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a simple night in, French Onion Mac & Cheese will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Cozy nights in
- Holiday gatherings
- Potlucks
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Title
Here’s why French Onion Mac & Cheese will be your new favorite dish:
- Rich, Savory Flavor: The caramelized onions add a deep, savory sweetness that enhances the richness of the cheese, creating a mouthwatering contrast that you’ll crave again and again.
- Creamy, Cheesy Texture: The classic mac and cheese base is velvety smooth, with the cheese coating every noodle and delivering that comforting creamy texture we all love.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With the savory onion flavor and the gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for sharing and will have your guests coming back for seconds.
- Simple, Yet Elegant: The recipe is straightforward and uses everyday ingredients, yet it feels like a special, indulgent treat.
- Customizable: Add in herbs or extra vegetables to tweak the recipe to your liking. You can even adjust the type of cheese for a different flavor profile.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this decadent French Onion Mac & Cheese:
- For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Caramelized Onions: The heart of this dish, caramelized onions provide sweetness and depth to the mac and cheese, mimicking the flavors of classic French onion soup.
- Cheddar & Gruyère: The combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère gives this dish a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor, with the Gruyère adding a touch of sophistication.
- Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a slight tang, cutting through the richness of the cheese and balancing the flavors.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The crispy topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy pasta below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect French Onion Mac & Cheese:
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
- Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient—this step brings out the sweet, savory flavors of the onions.
- Add Garlic: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the Dairy: Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to ensure the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese until they are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Onion Mixture:
- Mix Pasta and Onions: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions and garlic. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine, ensuring the noodles are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Assemble and Bake the Mac & Cheese:
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter and cheese.
- Assemble: Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into a greased or buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the pasta.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired, for a fragrant touch.

How to Serve Recipe Title
French Onion Mac & Cheese is a deliciously versatile dish that can be served in many ways:
- With a Green Salad: Pair with a light, fresh salad to balance the richness of the dish. A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette will complement the flavors beautifully.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots for a healthy and flavorful addition to the meal.
- As a Side Dish: French Onion Mac & Cheese also makes a great side dish for a main course, such as grilled chicken, steak, or roasted lamb.
- For Dinner Parties: This dish is perfect for entertaining. It can easily be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a hassle-free addition to your dinner party menu.
Additional Tips for Recipe Title
Here are a few tips to ensure your French Onion Mac & Cheese is as delicious as possible:
- Caramelizing the Onions: Be patient while caramelizing the onions. Low and slow is the key to getting that deep, sweet flavor. If the onions begin to burn, reduce the heat slightly.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the texture of the sauce. For a smooth and creamy sauce, it’s best to shred your own cheese.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just top with the breadcrumb mixture and bake when you’re ready to serve.
- Customize the Cheese: If you prefer a different flavor, try using fontina, mozzarella, or even gouda. You can also add a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist.
Recipe Variations of Recipe Title
Here are some variations of French Onion Mac & Cheese that you can try:
- Bacon French Onion Mac & Cheese: Add crispy turkey bacon or halal beef bacon for an added smoky flavor.
- Vegan French Onion Mac & Cheese: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese for a vegan version of this dish.
- French Onion Spinach Mac & Cheese: Stir in fresh spinach for a pop of color and added nutrients.
- Spicy French Onion Mac & Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños for some heat.
- Truffle French Onion Mac & Cheese: Drizzle a little truffle oil over the top before baking for an extra touch of luxury.
Freezing and Storage for Recipe Title
- Freezing: You can freeze the French Onion Mac & Cheese for up to 3 months. To freeze, prepare the dish as directed, but skip baking. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to serve, bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Storage: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Special Equipment for Recipe Title
Here are a few essential pieces of equipment that will help you make French Onion Mac & Cheese:
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A medium to large-sized baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
- Large Skillet: A large skillet for caramelizing the onions is essential to get the perfect texture.
- Cheese Grater: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
- Whisk: A whisk is useful for smoothly incorporating the flour and dairy for the sauce.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy when measuring ingredients.
- Microwave-Safe Dish: For reheating leftovers, a microwave-safe dish makes it easy to reheat without losing texture.
FAQ Section about Recipe Title
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor profile. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free. - Can I skip the breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can omit the breadcrumbs if you prefer a softer top, or try using crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar texture. - How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or stir in chopped fresh chilies or jalapeños to the cheese sauce. - Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the entire dish a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then bake it before serving.

French Onion Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 1hour
Ingredients
- For the Mac & Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably sharp)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Highlights
- Caramelized Onions: The heart of this dish, caramelized onions provide sweetness and depth to the mac and cheese, mimicking the flavors of classic French onion soup.
- Cheddar & Gruyère: The combination of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyère gives this dish a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor, with the Gruyère adding a touch of sophistication.
- Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a slight tang, cutting through the richness of the cheese and balancing the flavors.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: The crispy topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy pasta below.
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
- Cook the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient—this step brings out the sweet, savory flavors of the onions.
- Add Garlic: Once the onions are caramelized, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
- Add the Dairy: Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to ensure the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Gruyère cheese until they are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Onion Mixture:
- Mix Pasta and Onions: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the caramelized onions and garlic. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine, ensuring the noodles are fully coated in the creamy sauce.
Assemble and Bake the Mac & Cheese:
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter and cheese.
- Assemble: Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into a greased or buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the pasta.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, if desired, for a fragrant touch.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 45minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 20g
Conclusion of Recipe Title
French Onion Mac & Cheese is the perfect combination of two beloved comfort foods: mac and cheese and French onion soup. The savory caramelized onions bring a rich sweetness to the creamy, cheesy pasta, and the crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. With its easy-to-follow recipe, customizable ingredients, and rich flavors, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your home. Whether you serve it for a family dinner or a special occasion, French Onion Mac & Cheese is sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy!