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French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Cold Weather Casserole

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This French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese is a rich, complex comfort casserole that merges the savory-sweet depth of slow-caramelized onions and Gruyère with creamy baked macaroni.

Ingredients

Scale

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 teaspoon fresh black pepper

1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine (optional)

6 cups beef broth

2 sprigs fresh thyme

1 bay leaf

1 pound elbow macaroni or small shell pasta

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk, warmed

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

2 cups freshly grated Gruyère cheese, divided

1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 slices thick-cut rustic bread or 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Cook onions slowly with 4 tbsp butter, salt, and pepper for 45-60 minutes until deep mahogany.

2. Build the Broth: Deglaze, then add broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Simmer for fifteen minutes. Remove herbs.

3. Prepare Pasta: Cook pasta until very al dente (2 minutes shy of package directions). Drain.

4. Prepare Béchamel: Melt 2 tbsp butter, whisk in flour for a roux. Slowly whisk in warmed milk until thickened.

5. Add Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in salt, nutmeg, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.

6. Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to three hundred seventy-five Fahrenheit. Mix sauce, onions, broth, and pasta. Transfer to a buttered 9×13 inch dish.

7. Finish Top: Place toasted bread on top and sprinkle with remaining Gruyère. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Rest for ten minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the best, creamiest sauce texture.

This dish is great made ahead; the caramelized onions can be prepared up to three days in advance.

To fix a grainy sauce, ensure you add the cheese off the heat, slowly, and in small batches.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/french-onion-soup-mac-cheese/