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Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl

Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl: A Cozy Twist on Classic Indulgence

This Mac & Cheese Comfort Bowl is a delightful twist on a classic, featuring creamy pasta, caramelized onions, and rich cheeses, sure to warm your heart.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 large Yellow Onions Essential for flavor; cook slowly to caramelize for deep sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and aids in caramelizing onions beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Thickens the creamy cheese sauce.
  • 4 cups Beef Broth Provides depth of flavor; substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Enriches the sauce for a delightful creaminess.
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Melts beautifully, adding a nutty flavor to balance the sweetness of onions.
  • 1 cup Sharp White Cheddar Cheese Offers a tangy contrast that elevates the overall taste.
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Classic shape perfect for holding the sauce; feel free to swap with penne or shells for a twist.
Optional Enhancements
  • 1 tablespoon Truffle Oil A drizzle adds luxurious flavor for special occasions.
  • Fresh Parsley or Chives Completes the dish with a pop of color and freshness.
  • Toasted Baguette Slices Adds a classic French onion soup touch, enhancing the comfort bowl experience.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Pot
  • oven-safe dish

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Begin by slicing the yellow onions thinly and heating a large skillet over low heat. Add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt before adding the onions. Cook the onions slowly for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn a deep golden brown.
  2. Sprinkle the flour over the caramelized onions and stir well to incorporate, cooking for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the beef broth and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth mixture. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly, then stir in Gruyère and cheddar until fully melted.
  3. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous pinch of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the starchy pasta water for later.
  4. Once the cheese sauce is ready, gently fold the cooked macaroni into the skillet, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  5. Preheat your broiler and transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle additional Gruyère and cheddar cheese over the top and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Once baked, let it cool for a couple of minutes and then garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.

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