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French Onion Orzo Bake

Cozy Up with French Onion Orzo Bake for Ultimate Comfort

This French Onion Orzo Bake combines sweet caramelized onions, rich cream, and decadent cheese, making it the ultimate comfort dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole Ingredients
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta Substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Use olive oil for a dairy-free variation.
  • 4 large Onions Thinly sliced; use shallots for a milder taste.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced; fresh garlic is recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Aids in caramelizing onions; leave out for a lower-sugar option.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances overall flavors; adjust based on dietary needs.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper Use white pepper for a milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme Leaves Substitute with dried thyme, adjusting the amount.
  • 1 cup Vegetable Broth Chicken broth can be used for a non-vegetarian option.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Substitute with half-and-half or plant-based cream.
  • 1 cup Gruyère Cheese Grated; Emmental or mozzarella can be alternatives.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; nutritional yeast can serve as a vegan alternative.
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; for garnish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
  3. Sauté sliced onions in melted butter for about 20-25 minutes until deeply caramelized.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Add vegetable broth and heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine cooked orzo, onion mixture, and half of the grated Gruyère and Parmesan. Stir to mix well.
  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère and Parmesan cheese on top.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This dish can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Allow to cool before refrigerating leftovers for best texture.

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