French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

There’s something undeniably cozy about the sweet, caramelized richness of French onion soup—but now, imagine that same flavor wrapped into a creamy, cheesy pasta bake. That’s exactly what you get with this French Onion Orzo Bake, a comforting dish perfect for any night of the week.

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 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 2 cups beef broth, low sodium preferred
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Swiss cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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. Don’t rush—this step adds all the flavor.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Deglaze the pan by adding the balsamic vinegar and stir well to lift any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Step 3: Stir in the dry orzo, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat slightly, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in half of the Gruyère and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan on top.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
6. Step 6: Let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute orzo with gluten-free pasta or riced cauliflower.
• Add sautéed mushrooms along with the onions for a richer, umami flavor.
• Stir in greens like spinach or kale just before baking for added nutrition.
• Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken or ground beef for extra protein.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze the bake tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a 350°F oven or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, but small shapes like couscous or ditalini work best to maintain the creamy texture. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish through the stovetop step, then cover and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Is this dish vegetarian?

It can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth and ensuring that all cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly.

Can I freeze French Onion Orzo Bake?

Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

What cheese can I substitute for Gruyère?

Swiss, fontina, or mozzarella are good substitutes, though Gruyère provides the most authentic French onion flavor and melting quality.

French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 105 reviews

French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful pasta casserole inspired by classic French onion soup. Caramelized yellow onions form a rich, sweet base, combined with tender orzo pasta cooked in savory beef broth and heavy cream. Melted Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses create a luscious, cheesy sauce with a golden bubbly top. This oven-baked dish is perfect for cozy dinners, offering a creamy, cheesy, and aromatic experience with hints of thyme and garlic.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 & 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

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh parsley or chives

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 brings out the natural sweetness 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, scraping up all browned bits to enhance flavor.
3. Add Orzo and Liquids: Stir in the dry orzo pasta, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat slightly, and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
4. Add Cheese: Mix in half of the grated Gruyère and mozzarella cheese until creamy. Then sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Garnish & Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired, then serve warm for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Use small pasta shapes like orzo for optimal texture and flavor absorption. Couscous or ditalini are good substitutes.
• For a vegetarian version, swap beef broth for vegetable broth and confirm cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
• This dish can be prepped ahead by completing the stovetop steps, then refrigerating before baking.
• Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• For extra cheesy crust, broil for 2–3 minutes after baking.
• Variations include adding sautéed mushrooms, greens like spinach or kale, cooked ground meat, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Keywords: French onion, orzo bake, caramelized onions, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, casserole, thyme, Gruyère, mozzarella, Parmesan, easy dinner