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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 51 reviews

This French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich, caramelized sweetness of slow-cooked onions with tender orzo pasta baked in a creamy beef broth and topped with a melty blend of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a hearty main or side, this oven-baked casserole offers a delightful twist on traditional French onion soup flavors in a convenient, layered pasta bake.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions & Aromatics

  • 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

Cheese Toppings

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

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

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 cook slowly for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring often, until they turn deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking process develops the rich flavor essential to the dish.
  2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook this mixture for 1 minute to release the aromas. Then deglaze the pan by adding the balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any browned bits for maximum 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, then reduce heat slightly and cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed but still slightly saucy.
  4. Add Cheese: Mix in half of the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese to create a creamy texture. Make sure the cheese melts evenly throughout the orzo and onion mixture.
  5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Allow the baked orzo to cool slightly for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm as a comforting main course or decadent side dish.

Notes

  • Caramelizing the onions slowly over low heat is key to developing the dish’s signature depth of flavor.
  • Use a low sodium beef broth to better control the saltiness in the final dish.
  • Gruyère can be substituted with Swiss cheese for a milder flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the beef-based ingredients.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: French onion, orzo, baked pasta, caramelized onions, cheesy casserole, comfort food, Gruyère cheese, autumn recipe

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