French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 1 hr 5 mins
Cooking Method: ,
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cooking Temp: 190  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Fall, Winter
Description

This French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese combines the rich, deeply caramelized flavors of classic French onion soup with the creamy, comforting texture of mac and cheese. Each bite delivers golden onions, melted Gruyère, and perfectly coated pasta for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish. A comforting winter favorite that’s fully halal, indulgent, and designed for home cooks who love elevated comfort food.

Ingredients
    For the Caramelized Onions
  • 3 tbsp butter (unsalted)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar (to help caramelization)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp 1 dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups vegetable broth (halal-friendly)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (halal, adds depth similar to French onion soup)
    • For the Mac and Cheese Base
  • 300 g elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar
  • 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • 0.25 0.25 tsp nutmeg (optional for warmth)
    • For the Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 cup shredded Gruyère (for the top)
Instructions
    Caramelize the Onions
  1. 1
    Heat butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, sugar, and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until the onions turn deep golden brown. Add thyme and garlic, then cook for another 1–2 minutes. Pour in vegetable broth and soy sauce, scraping up the browned bits. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
    2. Boil the Pasta
  2. 2
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
  3. 3
    In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to make a smooth roux. Slowly add warm milk and vegetable broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add Gruyère, mozzarella or cheddar, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
    4. Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Onions
  4. 4
    Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and fold gently. Then add all the caramelized onions and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    5. Optional Baking Step (Highly Recommended)
  5. 5
    Preheat oven to 190°C. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and pepper, then sprinkle over the top. Add extra shredded Gruyère. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
    6. Rest and Serve
  6. 6
    Let the dish rest for 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, comforting flavor.
Note

Use Gruyère for authentic French onion soup flavor; mozzarella or cheddar adds creaminess.

For deeper flavor, cook onions low and slow — don’t rush the caramelization.

Can substitute gluten-free pasta and flour if needed.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthier version.

You may skip breadcrumbs if you prefer a creamier, non-baked mac and cheese.

Keywords: french onion mac and cheese, creamy pasta, caramelized onions, halal pasta recipe, comfort food
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/french-onion-soup-mac-and-cheese-recipe/