Description
A delightful twist on classic French onion soup combining caramelized onions and creamy orzo pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 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
- To kick off your French Onion Orzo Bake, start by melting the unsalted butter along with the olive oil in your large oven-safe skillet over medium-low heat. Once it’s hot, add the thinly sliced onions. This process is all about the slow caramelization, which takes around 25–30 minutes. Remember to check back often and stir your onions to prevent them from burning. The goal is to achieve that deep golden brown color that will pack your dish with flavor.
- Once your onions are beautifully caramelized, it’s time to stir in your minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cooking the garlic for about a minute releases its aromatic oils, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor. After that, deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, scraping any delightful browned bits at the bottom of the pan. These bits add a remarkable taste that brings everything together.
- Next, it’s time for the star of this dish—the orzo pasta! Stir it into the onion mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Then, pour in the beef broth along with the heavy cream. Raise the heat to bring everything to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered while stirring occasionally for about 8–10 minutes. The orzo should be mostly tender, and the liquid should have reduced significantly.
- After the orzo is ready, stir in half of the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheese. This will create a lovely creamy texture that binds all the elements. Once mixed, sprinkle the remaining cheese along with grated Parmesan over the top, ensuring a cheesy crust for that appealing finish.
- Now that your skillet is ready, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you haven’t already. Transfer your skillet to the oven, allowing it to bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. The contrast of textures—crispy on top and creamy underneath—makes each serving irresistible!
- Once out of the oven, let your French Onion Orzo Bake cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Scoop out servings while it’s warm, and watch as everyone gathers around for a taste!
Notes
Adjust the cheese quantity to your liking; you can add different types of cheese for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 18 g