No one beats my nana when it comes to this dish! Definitely 5 stars!
There’s something deeply comforting about the rich, caramelized flavor of classic French onion soup — and now those same luxurious notes are transformed into a creamy, cheesy French Onion Orzo Bake you won’t be able to resist. It packs all the goodness of slow-cooked onions and melty cheese into a cozy, one-pan dish ideal for weeknights, gatherings, or relaxing evenings at home.
🍲 A French Favorite Made Easy
This dish brings elegant French-inspired flavors into a simple casserole-style meal. Orzo acts as the hidden star — soaking up the sweetness of the onions, the garlic-scented broth, and a hint of cream. What you pull from the oven is a golden, bubbling bake that tastes slow-cooked but comes together with very little effort.
🌿 Flexible & Crowd-Pleasing
Enjoy it as a filling vegetarian entrée or serve it alongside your favorite protein. It’s easy to customize: splash in white wine for extra richness, stir in mushrooms for earthiness, or fold in shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier twist. No matter how you adapt it, the caramelized onions remain the true highlight — sweet, savory, and unforgettable.
🧀 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Yellow onions, thinly sliced | 3 large |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Freshly ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Balsamic vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry orzo pasta | 1 cup |
| Low-sodium beef broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup |
| Gruyère or Swiss cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | ¼ cup |
| Optional garnish | Fresh parsley or chives |
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Caramelize the onions
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-low. Add the onions and cook them slowly, stirring often, for 25–30 minutes until deep golden and sweet. This creates the signature flavor, so don’t rush it.
2. Add garlic and seasonings
Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute. Pour in the balsamic vinegar to deglaze and scrape up the browned bits.
3. Add the orzo and liquids
Mix in the uncooked orzo. Pour in the beef broth and cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the orzo softens and most of the liquid has reduced.
4. Add the cheese
Stir in half of the Gruyère and mozzarella until creamy. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan over the top.
5. Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
6. Garnish & serve
Allow the dish to cool slightly. Top with parsley or chives if desired, then dish it up and enjoy every rich, savory bite.
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