French Onion Mac Attack the Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup
Recipe Introduction: French Onion Mac Attack
Fancy a bit of comfort food magic? Ever wondered what happens when french onion soup mac and cheese get hitched? Well, wonder no more! We're diving headfirst into a cheesy, oniony dream.
A Gourmet Twist on a Classic
This isn't your average mac. This gourmet mac and cheese recipe takes inspiration from classic French cuisine. We're talking deeply caramelized onion mac and cheese nestled in a creamy gruyere mac and cheese sauce.
It's a fancy mac and cheese recipe that elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Plus, it's a great way to get some extra veggies in without even realizing it!
This recipe is a nod to the classic French onion soup casserole , but in a way that's totally approachable.
It's medium difficulty, taking about an hour and ten minutes from start to finish, and yields six generous servings. Picture this: a cold evening, a glass of red, and a bowl of this adult mac and cheese .
Bliss, I tell ya!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, the star here is the flavor combo. You get the sweet depth of the onions with the nutty, cheesy goodness.
This french onion soup mac and cheese recipe will knock your socks off. It's perfect for a casual dinner party or a cosy night in.
The nutritional highlight? Dairy is a good source of calcium! This is a brilliant entry into the world of comfort food recipes , so get ready to make the ultimate Mac and cheese with caramelized onions
Now, let's talk ingredients. Get your shopping list ready for some onions, macaroni, and plenty of cheese.
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, so you wanna make this mind blowing french onion soup mac and cheese? Right on! Before we get started on this comfort food recipe , let's round up what you'll need.
Honestly, it's not too fussy, but a few quality bits make all the difference.
Main Ingredients
- Yellow Onions: 3 large (about 900g / 2 lbs ). These are the stars, so go for firm ones.
- Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons (56g / 2 oz) for the onions, 6 tablespoons (85g / 3 oz) for the sauce.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Adds a bit of fruitiness.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (4g) . This helps the onions caramelize!
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon (3g) .
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon (1g) .
- Dry Sherry: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Trust me on this.
- Beef Broth: 1 cup (240ml / 8 fl oz) . A good quality broth is key.
- Elbow Macaroni: 1 pound (450g) .
- All-Purpose Flour: 6 tablespoons (48g) .
- Whole Milk: 3 cups (720ml / 24 fl oz) .
- Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon (1g) , freshly grated.
- Gruyere Cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , shredded. Get the good stuff! This is what makes it a gruyere mac and cheese .
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 4 ounces (110g) , shredded.
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 ounces (55g) , grated.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional): ½ cup (25g) .
- Melted Butter (Optional): 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Fresh Thyme Sprigs (Optional): For garnish.
Seasoning Notes
A bit of salt, pepper, and nutmeg does wonders. This helps get the perfect caramelized onion mac and cheese . I usually chuck in a pinch of cayenne pepper, too.
You know, just for a cheeky kick. The sherry in the onions is also a major flavor bomb. If you don't have sherry, dry white wine is ok.
Equipment Needed
Alright, so nothing too crazy here. Don’t worry if you don't have all the gear.
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: For caramelizing onions. A good one is essential!.
- Large Saucepan: For the cheese sauce.
- Large Pot: For cooking pasta.
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish: A french onion soup casserole dish is perfect.
- Colander:
- Whisk: A good one is a must.
- Cheese Grater:
Listen up, you got this! It's all about that creamy, cheesy goodness meeting those sweet, caramelized onions in the most delicious way.
Think of it like an adult mac and cheese that's actually really easy to make, even if it does look super fancy mac and cheese recipe material.
Cooking Method: French Onion Mac Attack
Alright, buckle up buttercups! We're diving into the delectable world of French onion soup mac and cheese. This isn't your nan's mac and cheese, love.
It's a gourmet mac and cheese , a proper grown-up version that'll make you question all your life choices in a good way, naturally! Let's make this the best french onion soup casserole you will ever taste.
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organised
First, mise en place , darlings. Chop those 3 large onions nice and thin, about 900g. Grate all the cheeses: 8 ounces of Gruyere, 4 ounces of sharp cheddar, and 2 ounces of Parmesan.
Measure out everything else, like 4 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and spices. It's a faff, but worth it.
Remember, a tidy chef is a happy chef and makes an easy french onion mac
Honestly, prepping is half the battle. And when caramelizing onions, keep a watchful eye. I once left mine and nearly burned the house down.
Not a good look. Don't forget the 1 pound of macaroni.
step-by-step: From Humble Beginnings to Cheesy Glory
- Onion Magic: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions with 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
- Patience, Padawan: Cook, stirring now and then, until the onions are a deep golden brown. This takes time. This is the secret to a good Caramelized onion mac and cheese . About 30- 40 minutes . Don’t rush it or you will miss out on the fancy mac and cheese recipe
- Boozy Boost: Deglaze with 2 tablespoons of dry sherry (optional, but do it!). Stir in 1 cup of beef broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Pasta Power: Cook 1 pound of macaroni according to package directions until al dente . Drain it well, no one likes soggy pasta.
- Cheese Sauce Central: Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 6 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1- 2 minutes to make a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.
- Cheese Extravaganza: Add 8 ounces of Gruyere, 4 ounces of cheddar, and 2 ounces of Parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth, turning into a Gruyere mac and cheese .
- Mac Attack Assembly: Stir the macaroni and onions into the cheese sauce. Pour into a baking dish. Top with the breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Bake Time: Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 20- 25 minutes .
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mac Game
- Don't overcrowd the onions! Cook them in batches if needed. This ensures proper caramelization.
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese! Grate your own for the best melt ability. Trust me on this one.
- Make the cheese sauce ahead of time! Reheat gently before adding the pasta. This helps when preparing comfort food recipes
Right, that’s the lot! Enjoy your French onion soup mac and cheese recipe , you deserve it. Let me know how it goes and feel free to add your own spin.
Happy cooking!
Recipe Notes That'll Make Your French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese Sing!
Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make your french onion soup mac and cheese experience even better.
Honestly, this french onion soup mac and cheese recipe is pretty foolproof, but a few tweaks can elevate it from good to OMG .
I reckon you could even call it a gourmet mac and cheese , fit for a king, queen, or even just yourself after a long day, you deserve it.
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, innit?
Plating matters, even if it's just for you! Think about it a bit of care goes a long way.
Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan never hurt anyone either.
For sides, go for something to cut through the richness. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be perfect.
Roasted asparagus would be cracking too. As for drinks, how about a light bodied red wine? Beaujolais anyone? These are great for adult mac and cheese night!
Storage Tips: Making It Last (If It Even Can!)
Refrigeration: This caramelized onion mac and cheese will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it's in an airtight container.
Freezing: Freezing it is an option, but honestly, the texture might change a bit. The sauce might separate slightly upon thawing.
If you are going to freeze it, do so within 2 hours of cooking. Thaw it completely in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Pop it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. You can also microwave it.
Add a splash of milk to the gruyere mac and cheese to bring back the creaminess, give it a swirl.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
Dietary Adaptations: Want a veggie version? Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth. Easy peasy. Fancy a mac and cheese with caramelized onions but gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and flour. Boom.
Seasonal Swaps: In the summer, chuck in some grilled courgette (zucchini). In autumn, some roasted butternut squash would be divine. Get creative. Its an easy french onion mac !
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff (Sort Of!)
Okay, let's be real. This isn’t exactly a health food, is it? But life is for living! Each serving comes in at approximately: 650 calories .
There's 30g of protein , 35g of fat , and 55g of carbohydrates . It's got calcium, thanks to all that cheese.
It's pure comfort food recipes !
So there you have it. Go on, give this french onion soup casserole (of sorts!) a go. It's ridiculously tasty, and you deserve a bit of fancy mac and cheese recipe goodness in your life.
Don't be shy about experimenting and making it your own. Get stuck in!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese? It sounds a bit mad!
Think of it as a delightful culinary collision! We're taking the deeply savory and slightly sweet flavors of classic French Onion Soup those beautifully caramelized onions and rich broth and melding them with the creamy, cheesy comfort of macaroni and cheese.
It’s a match made in foodie heaven, like bangers and mash, but with a French twist!
Can I make this french onion soup mac and cheese ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
You can also caramelize the onions a day or two in advance to save time, just be sure to store them in the fridge.
What's the best cheese to use in french onion soup mac and cheese?
Gruyere is essential for that authentic French Onion Soup flavor it melts beautifully and has a nutty, complex taste. We also use a sharp cheddar for a bit of tang and Parmesan for a salty, umami punch. Don't skimp on quality; using good cheese makes all the difference, innit?
Help! My onions aren't caramelizing, they're just burning. What am I doing wrong?
Caramelizing onions takes patience, like waiting for a proper brew to steep. Make sure your heat isn't too high medium low is ideal. Stir them occasionally to prevent burning, but not too often, as they need time to develop color.
A splash of water or broth can help deglaze the pan and prevent sticking if they're browning too quickly.
Any vegetarian substitutions for this french onion soup mac and cheese?
Sure thing! Simply swap out the beef broth for a good quality vegetable broth mushroom broth would be especially lovely to enhance that savory flavour. Double check that your cheeses are vegetarian friendly, as some Parmesan can contain animal rennet.
Otherwise, the recipe is easily adaptable for our veggie mates.
How should I store leftover french onion soup mac and? How long will it last?
Leftover mac and cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess. Do not freeze as the texture of the cheese sauce will change significantly upon thawing.
French Onion Mac Attack The Ultimate Comfort Foo
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 0g |
