Introduction

Warm, comforting, and irresistibly cheesy, this Decadent French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions and melted Gruyère with classic mac and cheese. It’s the perfect dish to cozy up with on chilly evenings or whenever you need a hearty, satisfying meal.

The image shows a bowl full of creamy baked macaroni and cheese. The bottom layer is soft macaroni pasta in a light yellow creamy cheese sauce. On top, there is a thick golden brown layer of melted cheese that is bubbly and slightly crispy, with some darker toasted spots. Small bits of browned topping, possibly breadcrumbs or nuts, are scattered on the cheese crust, and a few green herb leaves add a fresh touch in the center. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
12 oz elbow macaroni
Optional: French bread or baguette slices for toasting
Extra grated cheese for topping (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

Step 1: Slowly cook the thinly sliced yellow onions in butter over low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and develop a rich, sweet flavor.
Step 2: Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to coat them evenly.
Step 3: Gradually whisk in the beef or vegetable broth and the half-and-half or heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and dried thyme, then stir in the Gruyère and sharp white cheddar cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
Step 6: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 7: Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Top with extra grated cheese and toasted baguette slices if using.
Step 8: Broil briefly until the topping is bubbly and golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

Caramelize the onions slowly and patiently to develop their deep, sweet flavor—this step is key to the dish’s richness.
Combine Gruyère and sharp cheddar for a perfect balance of nutty sweetness and tangy sharpness.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
Broil toppings with care as they can brown quickly—stay close to the oven while broiling.
Use fresh thyme instead of dried, added near the end of sauce preparation, to preserve brightness and aroma.
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid reheating under high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.

How to Serve

The image shows a bowl of macaroni and cheese with three visible layers. The top layer is golden brown and crispy with melted cheese and small bits of baked breadcrumbs. Below that, the middle layer is creamy and pale yellow cheese sauce coating the macaroni pasta tightly. The bottom layer is the soft, curved pasta pieces that fill the bowl. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, feel free to use other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it necessary to broil the topping?

Broiling is optional but adds a delightful golden crust and toasted bread flavor, reminiscent of classic French onion soup. You can skip this step if you prefer a creamier, softer mac and cheese.