Description
Hearty French onion mac & cheese blends classic comfort with gourmet sophistication. Caramelized onions and gruyère create a rich, savory dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 750 ml (3 cups) cavatappi noodles or other short pasta
- 2 packets Cuisine Adventures French Onion Soup
- 340 g (12 oz) shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyere or equivalent)
- 500 ml (2 cups) water
- 30 ml (2 tbsps) unsalted butter
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing for the final baking stage of this French onion mac & cheese creation.
- In a 12-inch skillet, combine frozen French onion soup with water. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then add pasta, ensuring thorough coverage.
- Cover the skillet and cook pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- After pasta reaches perfect tenderness, remove from heat. Fold in unsalted butter until completely integrated, then gradually incorporate cheese, stirring continuously until most cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Season the mac and cheese mixture with salt and black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Thoroughly butter an 8×8 baking dish, then transfer the mac and cheese mixture, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Sprinkle additional cheese across the top of the dish, creating a generous coverage that will transform into a golden, bubbling crust during baking.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, watching for a beautifully browned top and bubbling edges that signal the perfect completion of this French-inspired comfort dish.
- Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving, allowing the cheese to set and flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality, flavorful cheeses like Gruyère or sharp cheddar to enhance the French onion mac and cheese’s depth and richness.
- Stir pasta frequently and use a non-stick skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent clumping or burning.
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free cheese for those with dietary restrictions.
- Broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking to create an extra crispy, golden-brown cheese crust that adds delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg