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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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