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A close-up of a serving of creamy French Onion Pasta Bake in a white bowl with a blue rim, topped with golden breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. A gold fork rests in the dish. (French Onion Pasta Bake)

French Onion Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Mashup

This French Onion Pasta Bake recipe transforms classic soup flavors into a decadent casserole. Featuring sweet caramelized onions, a velvety Gruyère cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it's the ultimate comfort food.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 650
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Ingredients
  

  • 2 large yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 cup beef broth 120ml
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 lb short pasta 450g, such as macaroni, cavatappi, or shells
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter 56g
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour 30g
  • 3 cups whole milk 720ml
  • 8 oz Gruyère cheese 225g, freshly shredded
  • 4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese 115g, or Fontina, freshly shredded
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs 75g
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter 28g, melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deep brown and jammy. Add thyme, then deglaze with beef broth, scraping the pan bottom. Set aside.
  2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (1-2 mins less than package directions). Drain. In a separate saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and caramelized onions. Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, toss Panko with 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle over the pasta.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, always buy blocks of cheese and shred them yourself.
Patience is Key: Do not rush the caramelization process. The low-and-slow cooking is where all the deep, sweet flavor is developed.
Slightly Undercook the Pasta: Pulling it from the boiling water when it's still slightly firm (al dente) prevents a mushy final result.