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French Onion Orzo Bake

A creamy, cheesy orzo bake infused with rich caramelized onions and melted Gruyère, inspired by classic French onion soup.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramelized Onions
  • 3 yellow onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp sugar optional
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce optional
Orzo Bake
  • 1.5 cups orzo
  • 3 cups broth beef or vegetable
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella optional, shredded
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp thyme fresh or dried
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter optional for richness

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onions, salt, and sugar; cook 20–30 minutes until caramelized.
  3. Stir in Worcestershire and cook 2 more minutes.
  4. Add orzo and toast 1 minute.
  5. Pour in broth, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper.
  6. Simmer 8–10 minutes until orzo absorbs most liquid.
  7. Stir in heavy cream and butter.
  8. Mix in half the Gruyère.
  9. Transfer to baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  10. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 10–12 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Notes

Top with crispy onions or fresh thyme for extra flavor and texture.