French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines the rich flavors of caramelized onions with tender orzo pasta. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

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 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

1. Step 1: In a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly for 25–30 minutes, stirring often, until they are deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking develops the dish’s signature flavor.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then deglaze the pan with balsamic vinegar, stirring well to lift any browned bits from the bottom.
3. Step 3: Add the dry orzo pasta to the pan, 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, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is mostly tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
4. Step 4: Stir in half of the Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses, mixing well to create a creamy consistency. Then sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly 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 the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
• Adding a splash of dry white wine when deglazing the pan can deepen the flavor.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in an additional ¼ cup of heavy cream before baking.
• Gruyère can be swapped with Swiss or fontina cheese for a slightly different taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

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 and refrigerate it. Assemble with the cheese topping and bake just before serving.

Is it possible to use another type of pasta?

While orzo works best because it cooks quickly and mimics rice in casseroles, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells can be used as substitutes.

French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

A rich and comforting French Onion Orzo Bake featuring caramelized onions, tender orzo pasta, and a blend of Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses baked to golden perfection. This savory dish combines the deep flavors of slow-cooked onions with creamy textures, perfect as a hearty main or side.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Onion and Pasta 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 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

For the Cheese Topping

• 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 25–30 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn deeply golden and caramelized. This slow cooking develops the dish’s signature depth of flavor.
2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to release the garlic’s aroma. Deglaze the pan by adding the balsamic vinegar, scraping the browned bits from the bottom to incorporate them into the mix.
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 over medium heat. Reduce heat slightly and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Incorporate Cheese: Mix in half of the shredded Gruyère and mozzarella cheeses into the skillet, stirring until creamy and well combined. This melts into the pasta creating a luscious texture.
5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère, mozzarella, and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting French Onion Orzo Bake.

Notes

• Use low sodium beef broth to control salt levels in the dish.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for beef broth and use vegetarian-friendly cheese.
• Gruyère is ideal for its nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key to maximizing flavor, so do not rush this step.
• Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Keywords: French Onion, Orzo Bake, Caramelized Onions, Baked Pasta, Gruyère Cheese, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal