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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 89 reviews

French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting, creamy pasta dish that marries the sweet, caramelized onion flavors of classic French onion soup with tender orzo pasta and a rich, cheesy sauce. Caramelized onions, garlic, and thyme build a fragrant base, while beef broth and heavy cream create a luscious sauce. The bake is topped with a blend of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for a golden bubbly finish, perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Pasta & Liquids

  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 cups beef broth, low sodium preferred
  • ½ cup heavy cream

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking develops the rich, sweet flavor essential to the dish.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, stirring well to lift all browned bits off the bottom for maximum flavor infusion.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, followed by pouring in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reduce the heat slightly, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid nearly absorbed, creating a creamy texture.
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in half of the Gruyère and mozzarella cheese, mixing well until melted and creamy. This step binds the pasta and onions in a luscious, cheesy sauce.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired and serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use small pasta shapes similar to orzo like couscous or ditalini if needed; adjust cooking times accordingly.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and ensure the cheeses are vegetarian friendly.
  • French Onion Orzo Bake can be prepared ahead by completing up to the stovetop step, then refrigerate covered. Bring to room temperature before baking.
  • Freezing is possible: cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven with added cream or broth.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free orzo or substitute with riced cauliflower.
  • Add protein by stirring in shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked ground beef before baking.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or greens like spinach or kale for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick.
  • Broiling for 2–3 minutes after baking creates a deeper golden crust on top.

Keywords: French Onion, Orzo Bake, Pasta Bake, Caramelized Onions, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal

Find it online: https://dinewithdylan.com/french-onion-orzo-bake-recipe/