French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

Introduction

This French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting twist on the classic French onion soup, featuring tender orzo pasta enveloped in rich caramelized onions and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines savory depth with a golden, bubbling top.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups 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
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: splash of white wine for deglazing

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 deeply golden and soft, about 30–40 minutes.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and thyme during the last few minutes of caramelizing. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Pour a splash of white wine or a bit of broth into the pan to deglaze. Scrape the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon to add flavor.
4. Step 4: Stir in the uncooked orzo and pour in the broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the orzo is nearly tender.
5. Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and most of the grated cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake until golden and bubbling, about 15–20 minutes.
7. Step 7: For an extra golden crust, broil the bake for 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with additional thyme or parsley if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use beef broth for a richer, more traditional French onion flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.
• Be patient when caramelizing onions; rushing this step can result in less depth of flavor.
• Try adding a splash of sherry or brandy when deglazing for an added layer of complexity.
• Substitute or add mushrooms for extra earthiness and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point before baking, then refrigerate it. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What can I use if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese is an excellent substitute, offering similar meltability and a mild, nutty flavor. Mozzarella or cheddar can also work, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

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4.5 from 105 reviews

This French Onion Orzo Bake is a comforting and creamy one-dish meal featuring slowly caramelized yellow onions, tender orzo pasta infused with savory broth, and a rich cheese blend. The combination of Gruyère and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbly top with a nutty flavor, while fresh thyme adds an aromatic earthiness. This oven-baked casserole offers a perfect balance of sweet onions, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, ideal as a hearty side or main dish.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Orzo Pasta

• 1 cup orzo pasta

Onion Base

• 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Liquids

• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, or additional broth)
• 4 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Cheeses

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

Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and salt, cooking slowly with occasional stirring for 30 to 40 minutes until the onions are deeply golden and very soft. This step is crucial to develop the sweetness and depth of flavor.
2. Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme during the last few minutes of cooking the onions. Let them cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the aromatic base of the dish.
3. Deglaze the pan: Pour in a splash of white wine or broth to lift the caramelized brown bits from the skillet’s bottom. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the pan gently to incorporate these flavorful bits into the onions and liquid.
4. Add orzo and broth: Stir the uncooked orzo into the skillet, then pour in the beef or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is nearly tender and has absorbed much of the broth.
5. Add cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and most of the grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.
6. Bake until bubbly: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the orzo mixture. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
7. Broil for a golden top (optional): For an even more golden and crispy cheese crust, broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes extra, watching carefully to avoid burning.
8. Let rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving for a fresh finish.

Notes

• Slowly caramelizing the onions is key to developing deep flavor—do not rush this step.
• Use either beef broth for a traditional French onion flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• White wine is optional but adds a bright acidity to balance the richness.
• Gruyère cheese melts best and adds a nutty flavor, but Swiss cheese is a fine substitute.
• Allowing the bake to rest before serving helps the sauce thicken and improves texture.
• This recipe can be made in an oven-safe skillet or transferred to a baking dish.

Keywords: French onion, orzo bake, caramelized onions, creamy pasta bake, Gruyère cheese, comfort food, oven-baked pasta