Best-Ever French Onion Pasta Bake

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this French Onion Pasta Bake! Combining the rich flavors of caramelized onions, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a cozy treat for any occasion. It’s an effortless way to bring the essence of French onion soup to your dining table in pasta form.

Ingredients

For the Onion Mixture:

  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup white wine or vegetable stock (optional)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
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For Topping:

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • Fresh thyme leaves (for garnish)

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: ~1 hour 20 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar. Cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized.
  3. Stir in balsamic vinegar and white wine (if using). Cook for another 2–3 minutes, then set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
  2. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden.
  2. Gradually whisk in warm milk and stock, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Gruyère, mozzarella, Parmesan, black pepper, and thyme.
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Step 4: Assemble the Bake

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs (if using) and additional Gruyère cheese.
  4. Sprinkle with black pepper for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  2. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Tips

  • Onions: Be patient while caramelizing the onions to achieve their rich, sweet flavor.
  • Cheese Options: Substitute Gruyère with Swiss cheese or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare and assemble the dish in advance, then refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Calories (Per Serving)

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of the bake
  • Calories: ~450
    • Fat: 22g
    • Carbohydrates: 47g
    • Protein: 18g
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Conclusion

This French Onion Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that delivers hearty, cheesy goodness with every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a guaranteed hit that combines classic flavors in a comforting dish. Try it today and treat your taste buds to something extraordinary!

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