French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting twist on the classic French onion soup, featuring tender caramelized onions and creamy orzo pasta baked with rich cheeses. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors that make it an ideal weeknight meal or elegant side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: splash of white wine for deglazing
• Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply golden and soft, about 30 to 40 minutes. Patience is key to achieve rich caramelization.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme during the last few minutes of caramelizing. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Deglaze the pan by pouring in a splash of white wine or broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift the browned bits.
4. Step 4: Add the uncooked orzo to the skillet and pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with most of the grated Gruyère and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the bake is golden and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Step 7: For a golden, cheesy crust, optionally broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Let the bake rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley as desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use beef broth for a richer, more traditional French onion flavor; vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian version.
• Stirring onions frequently while caramelizing ensures even color and prevents burning.
• Gruyère cheese provides a classic nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a great substitute if needed.
• Add a splash of white wine to enhance the depth of flavor when deglazing the pan.
• For added texture, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftover French Onion Orzo Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain creaminess, add a splash of broth or cream when reheating if the dish appears dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramelized onions and orzo mixture in advance, then bake just before serving for best results.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

While orzo works best due to its size and texture, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells can be substituted without drastically changing the dish.

French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 112 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting, creamy casserole featuring slowly caramelized onions, tender orzo pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses. This dish layers savory flavors from butter, garlic, thyme, and broth, finished with a golden, bubbly cheese crust, making it an irresistible twist on classic French onion flavors in a creamy pasta bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo and Broth

• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish

Fats

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dairy

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Other

• Salt, to taste
• Optional: splash of white wine or extra broth for deglazing

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Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply golden and soft, which can take about 30 to 40 minutes. This slow cooking develops the sweet, rich flavor essential to the dish.
2. Add garlic and thyme: In the last few minutes of caramelizing, stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Deglaze the pan: Pour in a splash of white wine or a little broth to lift browned bits from the pan. Scrape the bottom thoroughly with a wooden spoon to incorporate this flavorful fond into the mixture.
4. Add orzo and broth: Stir in the uncooked orzo pasta and pour in the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender but still al dente.
5. Add cream and cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with most of the grated Gruyère (or Swiss) and Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Bake until bubbly: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Transfer the skillet (if not already oven-safe, transfer to a baking dish) into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
7. Broil for a golden top (optional): For an extra cheesy crust, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes until the top is deeply golden and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
8. Let rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with additional thyme or chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, fragrant finish.

Notes

• Slow caramelization of onions is key to developing rich flavor and natural sweetness, do not rush.
• Use beef broth for a traditional French onion flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• Gruyère cheese provides a nutty, creamy melt, but Swiss cheese is a fine substitute.
• Broiling is optional but enhances the texture and appearance with a beautifully browned cheese crust.
• This dish can be prepared ahead by stopping before baking; cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: French Onion, Orzo Bake, Caramelized Onions, Creamy Pasta Casserole, Gruyère Cheese, Oven-baked