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French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe

All the cozy flavors of French onion soup baked into a creamy, cheesy orzo casserole. Caramelized onions, rich broth, and Gruyère make it irresistible.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter for onions
  • 1.8 lb yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.75 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 2.5 tsp minced garlic
  • 0.25 cup dry sherry or dry white wine
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1.5 cup orzo pasta (dry)
  • 4.25 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe skillet.
  • Warm olive oil and 3 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Add onions and 1 tsp salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden, 25–30 minutes.
  • Stir in thyme, garlic, and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Pour in sherry and Worcestershire. Scrape up browned bits and simmer 2 minutes to reduce.
  • Stir in dry orzo to coat with the onions. Add beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Transfer mixture to the baking dish if needed. Cover tightly with foil and bake 15 minutes.
  • Uncover, stir, and top evenly with Gruyère and Parmesan.
  • Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese.
  • Bake until orzo is tender and the top is bubbly and golden, 10–12 minutes. Broil 1–2 minutes if needed.
  • Rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Variation: Swap Swiss for Gruyère, or stir in sautéed mushrooms with the onions. For a lighter version, use chicken or vegetable broth. To serve, add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of sherry at the table for brightness. Leftovers keep 3–4 days refrigerated; reheat covered with a splash of broth to loosen.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic French Onion Orzo Bake Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.