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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, caramelized sweetness of French onions with creamy, cheesy orzo pasta. Slowly caramelized onions provide depth and natural sweetness which melds perfectly with a savory broth base, fresh thyme, and a luscious blend of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to bubbly golden perfection, this one-pan meal is perfect for cozy dinners or make-ahead meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramelized Onions and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups low sodium beef broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish (Optional)

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions along with a pinch of salt and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until they become deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking extracts the natural sweetness and forms the flavor base for the dish.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then deglaze the pan by pouring in the balsamic vinegar, stirring well to lift and incorporate the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, adding essential depth to the flavor.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir the dry orzo pasta into the caramelized onions to coat it in the flavorful mixture. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat slightly and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, creating a creamy base.
  4. Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in half of the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. This ensures the orzo is richly flavored and cheesy throughout.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the orzo mixture. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and slightly crispy, adding a lovely textural contrast.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, then serve warm as a hearty and comforting main or side dish.

Notes

  • You can substitute orzo with small pasta shapes like ditalini or couscous, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • To make the dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth and ensure vegetarian-friendly cheese is used.
  • Make ahead by preparing up to the stovetop step, then refrigerate covered. Bring to room temperature before baking.
  • Freeze cooled leftovers for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven with a splash of broth or cream for best results.
  • For a dairy-free or gluten-free option, use gluten-free orzo and suitable dairy substitutes.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, kale, or ground meat for variations to enhance flavor and nutrition.

Keywords: French Onion, Orzo, Pasta Bake, Caramelized Onions, Comfort Food, Cheesy Bake, One-Pan Meal, Vegetarian Dinner

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/french-onion-orzo-bake-recipe/