French Onion Orzo Bake
This French Onion Orzo Bake is creamy, cheesy, and full of rich caramelized onion flavor. An easy comfort food recipe perfect for family dinners.
French onion soup has always been one of those comforting dishes that feels like home. I wanted to take those rich, savory flavors and turn them into something heartier, something that could stand alone as a full meal. That’s how this French Onion Orzo Bake came to be. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with caramelized onions that melt right into the sauce.
The first time I made it, my wife thought it sounded fancy, but after the first bite, she was hooked. The orzo gives it that creamy texture you get from risotto, and the golden cheese on top makes it irresistible. The fried onions add the perfect crunch to every bite.
Now this is one of our favorite comfort dishes. It’s simple to make, uses everyday ingredients, and always impresses guests. Whether served on a quiet weeknight or as part of a Sunday dinner, it’s a dish that feels special without being complicated.
Questions You May Have About This Recipe
Can I use another type of pasta?
You can, but orzo gives the best creamy texture for this bake.
Do I need to caramelize the onions fully?
Yes. Slow cooking them brings out the rich, sweet flavor that makes this dish taste like French onion soup.
Can I use store bought crispy onions?
Yes. They save time and still give that crunchy topping.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it earlier in the day and bake it before serving.
What cheese works best?
Gruyère is classic, but mozzarella or Swiss also work beautifully.
What You Need to Make French Onion Orzo Bake
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional)
2 cups beef or chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup crispy fried onions for topping
Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make French Onion Orzo Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden brown, about 25 minutes.
Add garlic powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat.
Add the uncooked orzo and toss to combine with the onions.
Pour in broth and cream. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Stir in cooked chicken if using.
Transfer to the baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Sprinkle crispy fried onions and fresh parsley before serving.
Tips
Use low heat to caramelize onions slowly for best flavor.
Add a splash of white wine while cooking the onions for a richer taste.
You can skip the chicken to make it a meatless side dish.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken up.
Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Made this for Sunday dinner and it was fantastic. The flavor was rich and creamy.” Susan H.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I used Swiss cheese instead of Gruyère and it turned out great. My husband went back for seconds.” Carol D.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This might be my new favorite comfort food. The crispy onions on top make it perfect.” Linda J.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Took a bit longer to caramelize the onions than expected, but it was worth it.” Patty M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy to make and absolutely delicious. Will be adding this to my meal rotation.” Diane L.
Printable Recipe
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French Onion Orzo Bake
Creamy orzo pasta baked with caramelized onions, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions for a rich, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional)
- 2 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup crispy fried onions for topping
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until deep golden brown, about 25 minutes.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to coat.
- Add the uncooked orzo and toss to combine with the onions.
- Pour in broth and cream. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in cooked chicken if using.
- Transfer to the baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions and fresh parsley before serving.
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