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Ultimate French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe

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Experience the perfect fusion of French onion soup and mac and cheese with this Ultimate French Onion Soup Mac & Cheese Recipe. It’s a rich, comforting dish that combines caramelized onions, savory beef broth, and a blend of delicious cheeses for an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients

  • Yellow or sweet onions
  • Beef broth
  • Gruyère cheese
  • Fontina cheese or sharp white cheddar
  • Provolone cheese or more Gruyère for topping
  • Non-alcoholic red wine or balsamic vinegar
  • Medium shells, cavatappi, or elbow macaroni
  • Flour
  • Unsalted butter
  • Whole milk or a mix of whole milk and half-and-half
  • Fresh thyme
  • Bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Slice your onions thinly. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt a generous amount of butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, a pinch of salt, and stir to coat. Cook for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply golden brown, soft, and sweet.
  2. Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, add your non-alcoholic red wine substitute or balsamic vinegar to the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute until almost evaporated. Pour in the beef broth, add the fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it gently infuse for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the thyme and bay leaf when done.
  3. While your soup base is simmering, cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a separate large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk or a mix of milk and half-and-half until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add your grated Gruyère, Fontina, and/or sharp white cheddar to the milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Pour the onion-infused beef broth mixture into your cheese sauce. Stir well to combine. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir gently to ensure every piece is coated.
  7. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the French Onion Soup Mac Cheese mixture into a large baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining grated Gruyère or provolone cheese.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted, golden brown, and slightly crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: Patience with the onions is crucial for deep flavor. Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce. Quality of broth matters for the best flavor. Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Find it online: https://homebitesia.com/ultimate-french-onion-soup-mac-cheese-recipe/