Nobody trumps my nana when it comes to this dish! 5 stars!
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There’s something deeply comforting about the sweet, caramelized richness of French onion soup — and now, that same flavor gets a creamy, cheesy upgrade in this irresistible French Onion Orzo Bake. It’s everything you love about slow-cooked onions and melty cheese, baked into a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
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🍲 A French Classic Meets Everyday Ease
This dish blends the elegance of French cuisine with the simplicity of a casserole. Orzo pasta is the secret star — soaking up every bit of flavor from golden onions, garlic-infused broth, and a touch of cream. The result? A bubbling, golden bake that tastes like it simmered all day, but comes together with surprising ease.
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🌿 Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing
Whether you’re serving it as a vegetarian main or a decadent side, this orzo bake is endlessly adaptable. Add a splash of white wine for depth, stir in mushrooms for earthiness, or fold in shredded rotisserie chicken for extra heartiness. No matter how you tweak it, the caramelized onions remain the soul of the dish — rich, sweet, 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 (or to taste) |
| Black pepper, freshly ground | 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
- Caramelize the onions:
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until deeply golden. This step builds the flavor — don’t rush it. - Add garlic and seasoning:
Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits. - Add orzo and liquids:
Stir in dry orzo. Pour in beef broth and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until orzo is mostly tender and liquid is mostly absorbed. - Add cheese:
Stir in half the Gruyère and mozzarella until creamy. Sprinkle remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan on top. - Bake:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden. - Garnish & serve:
Let cool slightly. Garnish with parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every savory bite.
