Save to Pinterest One-Pot French Onion Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the rich, caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. This dish is baked to bubbly perfection in a single pot, making it an irresistible, easy-to-make meal that fills your kitchen with the aroma of warm onions and melted Gruyère. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, it combines creamy pasta, deeply savory onions, and a crisp golden breadcrumb topping in every bite.
Save to Pinterest This recipe is perfect for those who crave something warm and satisfying with layers of flavor and a luscious, cheesy finish. Using classic French ingredients like Gruyère and caramelized onions gives this pasta bake an authentic, gourmet touch while the ease of one-pot cooking ensures you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
Ingredients
- Onions: 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp sugar
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- Liquids: 900 ml (4 cups) low-sodium vegetable broth; 250 ml (1 cup) whole milk
- Cheeses: 200 g (2 cups) Gruyère cheese, shredded; 100 g (1 cup) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; 60 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese, grated
- Seasonings: 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp black pepper; salt to taste
- Topping: 60 g (1 cup) fresh breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1.
- In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20–25 minutes, until the onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- 2.
- Stir in minced garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- 4.
- Add dry pasta directly to the pot with onions. Pour in vegetable broth and milk. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits.
- 5.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook on medium-low for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- 6.
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, and half the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- 7.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the pasta. Top with remaining Parmesan.
- 8.
- Transfer the pot (uncovered) to the oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- 9.
- Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure perfectly caramelized onions, be patient and stir frequently to prevent burning. Using an oven-safe Dutch oven makes the transfer from stovetop to oven seamless and helps retain all the flavors. Stir the cheese gently to incorporate smoothly, creating a luscious sauce that coats every noodle.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a richer flavor, replace half of the vegetable broth with beef broth (note: this is not vegetarian). Add sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon to customize the dish further. While Gruyère offers a signature French onion taste, Swiss cheese or Emmental are excellent alternatives if preferred.
Serviervorschläge
This mac and cheese bake is perfect served straight from the pot with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich, cheesy pasta.
Save to Pinterest With tradition and convenience beautifully combined, this One-Pot French Onion Mac and Cheese Bake delights with its sophisticated flavors and effortless preparation. It’s an inviting dish that brings warmth and a touch of elegance to any meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelized onions?
Cook sliced onions slowly with butter, olive oil, salt, and sugar over medium heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring frequently until deeply golden and soft.
- → What types of cheese work best for this dish?
Gruyère provides a nutty flavor, while sharp white cheddar adds tanginess and Parmesan contributes a savory finish. Swiss or Emmental can be used as alternatives.
- → Can I prepare this dish without an oven-safe pot?
Use a stovetop pot to cook up to the baking step, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven phase to achieve the crispy topping.
- → What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Try sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon for extra savory notes. Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a bright finish.
- → How do I know when the pasta is ready before baking?
Cook the pasta in broth and milk until just al dente, typically 10–12 minutes, with most liquid absorbed before adding cheeses and baking.