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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 115 reviews

French Onion Orzo Bake captures the comforting, rich flavors of classic French onion soup elevated into a creamy, cheesy pasta casserole. Slowly caramelized onions combine with garlic, thyme, and orzo pasta simmered in savory beef broth and heavy cream. Finished with melted Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked until bubbly and golden, this dish makes a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 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 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Pasta and Liquids

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

Cheeses

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

Garnish (Optional)

  • 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 the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt, cooking slowly for about 25–30 minutes. Stir often until onions are deeply golden and caramelized. This slow step is essential for developing the dish’s signature sweet, rich flavor.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Then deglaze the pan by adding balsamic vinegar, stirring well and scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate their flavor.
  3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat slightly, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the orzo is mostly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, resulting in a creamy texture.
  4. Add Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in half of the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses until melted and combined, forming a rich, creamy sauce. Then sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the dish.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, creating a beautifully bubbly crust.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to let the sauce thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a fresh herbal note, then serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Use small pasta shapes like orzo, couscous, or ditalini for best results; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Make ahead: Prepare up to the stovetop step, refrigerate covered, then bring to room temperature before baking.
  • Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth and vegetarian-friendly cheese.
  • Freezing: Cool completely, wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in oven with added cream or broth.
  • For a crispy top, broil the bake for 2–3 minutes after baking until golden.
  • Variations: Add proteins like shredded chicken or ground beef; include sautéed mushrooms or greens like spinach or kale; add red pepper flakes for heat; use gluten-free orzo or riced cauliflower for gluten-free or low-carb adaptations.

Keywords: French Onion Orzo Bake, creamy pasta bake, caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, comfort food, baked orzo, cheesy casserole, vegetarian dinner

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