🧀 French Onion Mac and Cheese

This **French Onion Mac and Cheese** is a creamy, cheesy, and savory twist on the classic — inspired by French onion soup! Tender pasta in a rich, caramelized onion and beef broth sauce, topped with buttery toasted breadcrumbs. It's comfort food at its finest!

Ingredients

• 8 oz (2 cups) elbow macaroni or any short pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese (or sharp cheddar)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook pasta: In a large pot, cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Caramelize onions: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook 10–12 minutes until golden and soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
3. Make roux: Sprinkle flour over onions and stir 1 minute to cook.
4. Add liquids: Gradually whisk in milk and beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in Gruyère and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine: Stir in cooked pasta until well coated.
7. Top: In a small bowl, mix panko with olive oil or melted butter. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
8. Brown topping: Broil 2–3 minutes (watch closely!) until breadcrumbs are golden, or simply serve as-is.
9. Serve hot! Great on its own or with a side salad.

Tip: For extra richness, stir in 1/4 cup cream cheese. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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