French Onion Mac and Cheese Oui Cheese Please
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something ridiculously comforting? This french onion mac and cheese recipe hits all the right spots. Think sweet, savory, and oh-so-cheesy.
Brief Overview
The French Onion Soup Pasta inspiration comes from France. This is a mid-level recipe needing one hour. This dish makes around 6 servings.
Main Benefits
This gourmet mac and cheese ideas recipe is a soul warmer. It brings joy and satisfaction. Mac And Cheese Flavors are elevated for this comfort food recipes with cheese.
Get Your Onions Ready
Alright, let's talk onions. This recipe stars caramelized onions. They take time but are SO worth it. Patience is key for amazing flavour.
We're talking at least 35- 40 minutes for proper caramelization. It’s the base flavor.
Cheese, Please!
Next up, cheese! We are using Gruyère and Cheddar. Gruyère is a classic with French onion. Sharp cheddar adds some depth.
Trust me, you will love this creamy dream! If you do not have Gruyère, try using Emmental or Jarlsberg cheese.
Pasta Perfection
We use elbow macaroni in this dish. Any short pasta shape is fine. Like shells or penne. Just cook it al dente. Overcooked pasta is a big no-no.
Ready to Bake?
Now, you can totally bake this caramelized onion pasta bake or not. Baking adds a nice golden crust. About 20- 25 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) is perfect.
If not, serve it straight from the pot.
A Touch of Sherry
Deglazing the pan with dry sherry is optional. But it is recommended! The sherry adds richness. But dry white wine works too. This tip gives that je ne sais quoi .
Tips From My Kitchen
Honestly, grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has cellulose. And that makes the sauce grainy. No one wants grainy mac and cheese.
For vegetarians, replace the beef broth with a vegetable broth. It’s still delicious. And don't forget: a little nutmeg goes a long way.
It enhances all the flavors. I’ve been making this baked mac and cheese with sherry and it never disappoints.
Enjoy
So there you have it. A gruyere mac and cheese recipe that's easy and yummy. Hope you enjoy! Bon appétit!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your French Onion Mac and Cheese
Alright, let's talk ingredients. Seriously, this french onion mac and cheese is all about quality. We're making comfort food, but gourmet comfort food ! Trust me, the better your ingredients, the better the result.
It makes all the difference in the world.
Main Ingredients for Mac and Cheese Flavors
Here's what you'll need to make this amazing French Onion Soup Pasta dish:
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 600g / 21 ounces ) Look for firm onions without soft spots.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 30g / 1 ounce )
- 1 tablespoon olive oil ( 15ml / 0.5 fluid ounces )
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar ( 2.5g / 0.09 ounces )
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt ( 1.5g / 0.05 ounces )
- 1/4 cup dry sherry or dry white wine ( 60ml / 2 fluid ounces ) Sherry adds a special nutty depth.
- 2 cups beef broth ( 473 ml / 16 fluid ounces )
For the Mac and Cheese Sauce:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni ( 454g / 16 ounces )
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 60g / 2 ounces )
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour ( 30g / 1 ounce )
- 3 cups whole milk ( 710 ml / 24 fluid ounces )
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt ( 3g / 0.1 ounces )
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ( 1.5g / 0.05 ounces )
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg ( 0.7g / 0.02 ounces )
- 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded ( 227g / 8 ounces ) Get a good block of Gruyère; it’s the star! It takes this Gruyere Mac and Cheese Recipe to the next level.
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded ( 113g / 4 ounces )
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère ( 56g / 2 ounces )
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs ( 20g / 0.7 ounces )
- 2 tablespoons melted butter ( 30g / 1 ounce )
Seasoning Notes for Recipes With Onions
The key to great recipes with onions and this Caramelized Onion Pasta Bake is layering the flavors. Salt early when caramelizing onions.
It really draws out the moisture and speeds up the process. The nutmeg in the sauce? Don't skip it! It adds a warmth that you won't regret.
You can also substitute nutmeg by mace.
Equipment Needed
No fancy gadgets needed for this recipe, mate! Just the basics:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven For those beautiful caramelized onions .
- Large pot To cook the pasta.
- Colander Drain that pasta right!
- 9x13 inch baking dish Or any similar sized dish.
- Whisk For that smooth cheese sauce. No lumps allowed!
- Measuring cups and spoons
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. Don’t sweat it if your baking dish is slightly smaller or bigger.
The important thing is you're about to make some seriously good comfort food recipes with cheese . And this is an epic gourmet mac and cheese ideas dish.
French Onion Mac and Cheese: Oui, Cheese Please!
Oh my gosh, you guys! Let’s talk about the ultimate comfort food upgrade. I'm talking about French Onion Mac and Cheese .
Seriously, this is where Gourmet Mac and Cheese Ideas meet cozy night in vibes. Ever had that moment when you just crave both French onion soup AND Mac And Cheese Flavors ? Well, this is your answer!
Prep Steps for the Perfect French Onion Macaroni And Cheese
First, mise en place is key! Slice 2 large yellow onions thinly. Get out 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Next, measure out 1/4 cup of dry sherry and 2 cups of beef broth. For the Mac and Cheese Sauce , grab 1 pound of elbow macaroni, 4 tablespoons each of butter and flour, 3 cups of milk, and the same salt measurement as above.
Don't forget 1/4 teaspoon each of black pepper and ground nutmeg! Shred 8 ounces of Gruyère and 4 ounces of sharp cheddar.
You will need a large skillet, a large pot, a colander, and a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Time saving tip? Slice the onions while you're watching your favorite Comfort Food Recipes with Cheese show. Just be careful with the knife!
step-by-step to French Onion Soup Pasta perfection
- Caramelize those onions! Melt 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 30- 40 minutes , stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown. Patience is key!
- Deglaze with 1/4 cup dry sherry, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add 2 cups beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. This lets those flavors really meld.
- Cook 1 pound macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain it well.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a pot. Whisk in 4 tablespoons flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes . Gradually whisk in 3 cups milk until smooth. Simmer until thickened, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Add 8 ounces Gruyère and 4 ounces cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and caramelized onions with the cheese sauce. Pour into a greased 9x13 dish.
- Optional: Top with breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter! If baking , at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes .
Pro Tips for Epic Caramelized Onion Pasta Bake
- Don’t rush the onions. Low and slow caramelization is what makes them truly sing!
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese. Grate your own Gruyère for a creamier sauce. This is a Gruyere Mac and Cheese Recipe essential.
- Want to make it ahead? Assemble the mac and cheese, but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few minutes to the baking time.
And there you have it. A French Onion Mac and Cheese that's guaranteed to impress, even if you’re just impressing yourself.
Honestly, this is one of my go-to Recipes With Onions when I need something comforting and delicious.
Recipe Notes for French Onion Mac and Cheese
This french onion mac and cheese is proper lush. It's not just about chucking ingredients together, you know? Some bits need a little extra love.
So, here's a few pointers to help you nail it. Honestly, these tips will make your french onion macaroni and cheese top tier.
Serving Suggestions: Fancy Pants or Casual Grub?
Alright, so you've made this amazing gourmet mac and cheese ideas . Now, how do you serve it? For a proper fancy do, portion it out nicely.
A sprinkle of extra Gruyère and a sprig of thyme always look good. Thinking casual? Just whack a big spoon in the dish and let everyone dig in.
For sides, a simple green salad cuts through the richness nicely. Fancy a drink? A glass of chilled dry white wine is spot on.
Maybe a nice Sauvignon Blanc?
Storage Tips: Leftovers? What Leftovers?
If, somehow, you have any comfort food recipes with cheese left over, here's what to do. Fridge wise, it's good for about 3 days in an airtight container.
Fancy freezing? Honestly, it's not the best , but if you must, portion it out before freezing. That way, you can just grab what you need.
When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen it up and prevent it from drying out. Pop it in the microwave, or the oven.
Just make sure it's piping hot!
Variations: Making it Your Own
Want to mix it up a bit? Go vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Sorted. Fancy a bit of spice? Chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Really easy. Another trick. You know, If you don't have Gruyère, try using Emmental or Jarlsberg. They’ll do the trick just fine.
For seasonal swaps, consider adding some roasted butternut squash for a warming autumn twist. Think about some recipes with onions you want to include.
Nutrition Basics: What You're Actually Eating
Each serving of this baked mac and cheese with sherry is roughly 650 calories. Also with around 30g of protein, 40g of fat, and 45g of carbs.
And about 800mg of sodium. So, it’s a treat, not an everyday thing, right? It’s a great source of calcium, though, thanks to all that cheese! Plus, you get some good carbs from the macaroni, which is the perfect macaroni noodle recipes .
This caramelized onion pasta bake is something special, you know? I’ve tweaked this gruyere mac and cheese recipe so many times.
Honestly, don’t be afraid to do the same! You can always tweak the mac and cheese flavors . Now, go forth and create the best French Onion Mac and Cheese ever! You've got this!.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I store leftover french onion mac and cheese?
Leftover French Onion Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating can help restore some of the original creaminess.
Can I make french onion mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the french onion mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Just make sure it's heated through before serving nobody wants a cold mac attack!
What kind of cheese works best in french onion mac and cheese?
Gruyère is the classic choice and really brings that authentic French onion soup flavor, but a blend of Gruyère and sharp cheddar is also fantastic for its depth of flavor! Other good options include Emmental or Jarlsberg if you’re looking for something similar to Gruyère.
Remember, grating your own cheese is always best to avoid the cellulose that can hinder melting.
My caramelized onions aren't getting brown enough what am I doing wrong?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience, like waiting for the tea to steep properly! Make sure you're using medium low heat and stirring only occasionally, giving the onions time to develop that deep, golden brown color and sweetness. A little sugar helps, but mostly it just takes time usually 30-40 minutes.
If they're burning, lower the heat; if they're not browning, be patient or slightly increase the heat.
Can I make this french onion mac and cheese vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely! To make this French Onion Mac and Cheese vegetarian, simply substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth. This will keep the dish hearty and flavorful while remaining completely meat free.
You might even consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s vegetarian) to the onions for a boost of umami.
Help! My cheese sauce is lumpy. How can I fix my french onion mac and cheese sauce?
Lumpy cheese sauce is a common kitchen woe! The key is to whisk vigorously while adding the milk to the roux (butter and flour mixture), ensuring it's smooth before adding the cheese. If it's already lumpy, try using an immersion blender to smooth it out, or strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve.
A little extra milk might also help to loosen it up. You got this!
French Onion Mac And Cheese Oui Cheese Please
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 3g |