Savory French Onion Orzo Bake that Warms Your Heart

This French Onion Orzo Bake brings comforting flavors and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Resting Time 10

Total Time 55

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: French

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Base

2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter substitute with olive oil for a lighter option
1 tablespoon Olive Oil can replace with additional butter
3 medium Yellow Onions thinly sliced
2 cloves Garlic minced
1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar or swap for white wine or broth

For the Pasta

1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta other small pasta shapes may alter cooking time
3 cups Beef Broth low-sodium or substitute with vegetable broth

For the Creaminess

1 cup Heavy Cream or half-and-half for a lighter choice
1 cup Gruyère Cheese or Swiss cheese as a substitute
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese or replace with provolone or fontina
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese can mix with Cheddar but will change the flavor

For the Garnish

Fresh Parsley or Chives optional for garnish

Equipment

large oven-safe skillet

Method

Cooking Steps

In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 thinly sliced yellow onions with a sprinkle of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft.
Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to deglaze the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes.
Stir in 1 cup of dry orzo pasta along with 3 cups of beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and most of the grated Gruyère cheese. Mix until creamy.
Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving and optionally garnish with fresh parsley or chives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven with a splash of broth or cream for best results.

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