Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions is a rich and flavorful side dish that elevates the humble onion to a level of creamy, cheesy decadence. This dish is known for its combination of soft, sweet onions in a luscious, Parmesan-infused cream sauce, all topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust.
The recipe typically begins with selecting the right type of onions. Small to medium-sized onions, such as pearl onions or small white or yellow onions, are ideal for this dish. They are peeled and kept whole or halved, depending on their size. The natural sweetness of these onions is enhanced through the roasting process, which caramelizes their sugars and brings out a deep, rich flavor.
Before roasting, the onions are usually tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring they are well-coated. They are then spread out on a baking sheet and roasted in a preheated oven. The goal is to achieve onions that are tender and slightly golden, with a softened texture that will meld seamlessly into the cream sauce.
The cream sauce is a critical component of this dish. It typically begins with a roux made from butter and flour, cooked together to form a thickening base. Milk or cream is then gradually added, stirred continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Into this sauce, generous amounts of grated Parmesan cheese are stirred, melting into the mixture and providing a rich, nutty flavor.
Seasonings like nutmeg, salt, and pepper are added to the sauce for depth and balance. Nutmeg, in particular, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and Parmesan, adding a subtle warmth.
Once the onions are roasted and the sauce is prepared, the two are combined. The onions are carefully folded into the cream sauce, ensuring each onion is coated. This mixture is then transferred into a baking dish.
The final touch before baking is an additional sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, sometimes mixed with breadcrumbs, on top of the onions. This creates a crusty, golden topping when baked.
The dish is returned to the oven and baked until the sauce is bubbly and the top is a crispy golden brown. The baking not only melds the flavors together but also creates a beautiful textural contrast between the creamy onions and the crispy cheese topping.
Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are often served as a side dish, perfect for accompanying roasts, grilled meats, or as part of a festive holiday meal. The rich flavor of the Parmesan cream sauce combined with the sweetness of the roasted onions makes this dish a luxurious and comforting choice, beloved for its depth of flavor and elegant presentation.
Ingredients
- 4 large Sweet Onions, peeled and then sliced ½ inch thick
- 3 tbsp extra virgin Olive Oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup white wine
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
How To Make Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions
- Preheat to 375* Carefully place the onions into a parchment lined baking dish
- Be sure to not separate the onions
- Drizzle with the Olive Oil And season with the salt and pepper
- While the onions are in the oven place the heavy cream and white wine into a saucepan on the stove
- Heat until the cream begins to simmer, once it simmers around the edges completely, remove from the heat and set to the side
- Remove the onions from the oven and carefully set them into a baking dish while continuing to keep the rings intact and together.
- Slowly pour the cream mixture over the onions and sprinkle with the parmesan cheese
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and return to the oven
- Bake for another 20 minutes, then remove the foil carefully and roast for another 5 minutes
- Remove from the oven when the onions have begun to brown and caramelize.
Enjoy!
