This casserole isn’t just about noodles and onions—it’s about cozy Friday nights, where my family would gather at the dining table, eager for a hearty meal after a week full of activities. These moments are filled with laughing at old jokes, telling stories, and sometimes a bit of friendly bickering over who got the crispiest fried onions on their serving. There’s something magical about such meals that invite us to slow down, reminisce, and savor each other’s company.
I first stumbled upon this recipe while leafing through my grandmother’s handwritten book of kitchen secrets. It immediately piqued my interest because of its simplicity and warmth. I decided to give it a modern twist by adding a bit more butter and extra crispy fried onions for that irresistible texture and flavor. It’s an easy dish—just the thing for when you’re in the mood to create a little magic without a fuss.
The secret to this casserole lies in making sure that the noodles soak up all the delectable goodness of the onion soup mix and sour cream, while the fried onions add that touch of crunch that everyone loves. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be a fan for life. While cooking, I often think about those cherished memories from the dinner table and feel grateful for recipes that not only delight taste buds but weave stories into our hearts.
So, if you’re looking for an easy, comforting dish to bring a little warmth to your home tonight, why not dive into this French Onion Noodle Casserole? It’s sure to become a favorite, just like it did for me.
How to Make French Onion Noodle Casserole
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Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) bag of egg noodles
- 1 (8-ounce) container of sour cream
- 1 envelope of onion soup mix
- ½ cup of unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled, plus extra for greasing)
- ½ cup of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- 1 ½ cups of crispy fried onions (divided into ¾, ½, and ¼ cup)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray for easy cleanup later.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a dash of salt if desired, and cook the egg noodles, ensuring you remove them 1 or 2 minutes before they’re fully done. Reserve ¾ cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Once drained, return the noodles to the pot, letting them sit while you make the sauce.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together sour cream, onion soup mix, melted butter, chopped parsley, and ¾ cup of fried onions until they blend smoothly.
- Gradually mix in ¼ to ½ cup of the reserved pasta water into the sour cream blend to achieve a creamy but not watery consistency.
- Combine this mixture with the noodles, ensuring they’re well coated. Transfer to your baking dish.
- Top with ½ cup of the crispy fried onions and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle over the remaining onions, and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes until the top is golden and crisp.
Customizing French Onion Noodle Casserole: Alternative Ingredients
If you’re out of fresh parsley, dried parsley or chives can provide a similar herbaceous note. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a tangier flavor. For a gluten-free version, opt for gluten-free noodles and check your soup mix’s ingredients to be safe.
Best Ways to Store French Onion Noodle Casserole Leftover
Allow any leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a longer shelf life, freeze for up to a month. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat covered in the oven to enjoy again.
Perfect Pairings for French Onion Noodle Casserole
This savory casserole goes beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a fizzy lemon-lime soda can elevate the meal. Consider serving with crunchy bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Cooking Hacks to Elevate French Onion Noodle Casserole
To enhance flavors, try caramelizing onions lightly before mixing them with the noodles. Letting the noodles sit for a couple of minutes in the sauce will also ensure they absorb more flavor. A sprinkle of grated cheese before the final bake can add a rich twist.
Adding a Seasonal Spin to French Onion Noodle Casserole
For spring or summer, toss in seasonal vegetables like peas or asparagus for added freshness. In the fall, incorporate diced butternut squash. Winter calls for heartier additions such as caramelized mushrooms or even a dusting of nutmeg for warmth.
FAQs:
Can I make this casserole with gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free egg noodles or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. Make sure to also check the onion soup mix ingredients to ensure it’s gluten-free if you’re catering for allergies or preferences.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in and heat for about 15-20 minutes. For a quick option, a microwave-safe dish can be used in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals until warm.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Simply follow the steps until the baking point, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time to compensate for the cold start.
Can I add meat to the recipe?
Certainly! Shredded chicken or cooked ground beef can be stirred into the casserole before baking for added protein. Ensure any added protein is fully cooked before integrating it into the dish to guarantee even cooking and delicious results.
Is there a dairy-free option?
For a dairy-free version, swap the sour cream with a non-dairy equivalent and use vegan butter. Ensure the fried onions are dairy-free as well, as some brands may contain dairy products. This way, everyone can enjoy this comforting dish!
What can I use instead of fried onions for topping?
If crispy fried onions aren’t on hand, panko bread crumbs mixed with a little melted butter and garlic powder can provide a delightful crunchy topping. Toast them in the oven drop and evenly spread over your casserole for a comforting finish.
French Onion Noodle Casserole
Equipment
- large pot
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- colander
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce bag egg noodles
- 1 8-ounce container sour cream
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, plus extra for greasing
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions divided into 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Begin by greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish with softened butter or cooking spray. Prepare a piece of aluminum foil for later use.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Optionally, add a pinch of salt. Cook the egg noodles as per the package directions but remove them 1 to 2 minutes early. Before draining, set aside 3/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- After draining the noodles, return them to the pot.
- Combine the sour cream, onion soup mix, melted butter, chopped parsley, and 3/4 cup of crispy fried onions in a large bowl. Whisk until well blended.
- Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water gradually until the mixture reaches a slightly thinner consistency.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the hot noodles and gently stir to coat them evenly. Then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top the casserole with 1/2 cup of crispy fried onions, reserving the last 1/4 cup. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place the dish in a preheated oven set to 350°F and bake for 15 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and sprinkle on the remaining fried onions. Bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until golden brown on top.
