If there’s one dish that turns a simple ingredient into a show-stopping side, it’s this Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe. Pearly, sweet onions get roasted to golden perfection, then drenched in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and baked until bubbly and irresistible. This dish takes classic comfort to a whole new level, marrying silky textures and deep, savory flavors—making it an instant favorite for holidays, special gatherings, or whenever you crave something a little decadent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday staples to pull off this flavorful masterpiece. Every ingredient in this Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe has a purpose, whether it’s building up richness, adding a hint of spice, or delivering that cherished toasty topping.
- Pearl onions or small yellow onions (2 pounds, peeled): The main stars—sweet, mild, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps each onion caramelize and turn irresistibly golden in the oven.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness of the onions and balancing the creaminess of the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle touch of heat and depth.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Creates a rich base for your creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, ensuring a velvety finish.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): The backbone of the sauce—luxuriously smooth and unbelievably indulgent.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Lightens up the cream for perfect consistency.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Melds gently into the sauce for savory warmth without overpowering the onions.
- Dried thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Echoes classic holiday flavors and brings herbal brightness to the creamy base.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, plus more for topping): Gives the sauce its signature “umami” punch and glorious color on top.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup, optional): For those who love a crispy topping, this adds just the right amount of crunch.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of color and freshness at the very end.
How to Make Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your peeled pearl onions (or small yellow onions) on a baking sheet, giving them plenty of room to caramelize. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates tender, golden bites that are already delicious before you even add the cream sauce. Give them a good toss and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway so they brown evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
While the onions roast, set a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 to 2 minutes to form a pale, smooth roux—this step builds the foundation for your thick, luscious sauce. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, whisking constantly so the sauce stays lump-free and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Once creamy, add the garlic powder, dried thyme, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Remove from the heat and stir until totally smooth and dreamy.
Step 3: Assemble in a Baking Dish
Take your golden roasted onions and transfer them into a greased baking dish, spreading them in an even layer. Pour the velvety Parmesan cream sauce over the onions, making sure they’re completely enveloped in all that savory goodness. This is the moment where humble onions become sneakily elegant.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Bake
For that irresistible top layer, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and, if you love a bit of crunch, scatter on the breadcrumbs. Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. When the top is bubbling and golden, your Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe is ready to steal the show.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, add a flourish of fresh chopped parsley. It brings a fresh pop of green that makes the dish look as inviting as it tastes. Serve hot and watch as everyone reaches for seconds.
How to Serve Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is always a winner for bringing a blast of color and a little brightness to contrast the richness. You can also add freshly cracked black pepper or even a fine dusting of extra Parmesan just before serving for a tiny hint of saltiness and sophistication.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe was born for cozy family feasts. It nestles perfectly beside roast chicken, prime rib, turkey, or even a juicy holiday ham. Add buttery mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or fluffy dinner rolls, and you’ve built the dreamiest comfort food lineup imaginable.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party, or pile a mound atop a slice of toasted sourdough as a luxe appetizer. If you’re feeling fancy, use them as a layer in a savory tart or spoon them over grilled steak for an upgraded weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to store them in a tightly sealed container to preserve all that creamy goodness, and refrigerate as soon as possible after serving.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Allow the onions to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to 2 months; just know that the sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a good stir while reheating brings it back together nicely.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until bubbling again. For smaller portions, the microwave on medium power works fine, but reheating gently in the oven preserves the texture of the cream sauce best.
FAQs
Can I use larger onions instead of pearl or small yellow onions?
Absolutely! If pearl onions are hard to find, you can use regular yellow onions cut into wedges. Roasting time may need a slight adjustment; just check for tenderness and golden edges.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping or skip them altogether. The sauce will still taste amazing.
Can I prepare Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe a day ahead?
Definitely! Assemble the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover, and store in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to serve, remove the cover and bake until hot and bubbly—it’s perfect for stress-free holiday prep.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your Parmesan cream sauce thickens up a bit too much, just whisk in a splash of extra milk or cream until it loosens to your desired consistency. Always add liquids gradually to keep the sauce silky, not runny.
Are there any good substitutions for Parmesan cheese?
If you want to change things up, try Pecorino Romano or even aged Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile. Just make sure the cheese melts well so you still get that creamy, bubbly finish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that has dinner guests buzzing and always ends up on request for the next holiday. If you love cozy, creamy flavors and a comforting twist on tradition, give this recipe a try—you may just find yourself making it all year long!
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Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions, a delectable side dish perfect for any occasion. These tender onions are bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and baked to golden perfection, creating a dish that will impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Pearl Onions:
2 pounds pearl onions,
Olive Oil Mixture:
3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper,
Parmesan Cream Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
Additional:
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional), fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the onions: Place the peeled onions on a baking sheet, drizzle with the olive oil mixture, and roast for 25 to 30 minutes until golden and tender, stirring halfway.
- Make the Parmesan cream sauce: Melt butter, stir in flour to form a roux, whisk in cream and milk until thickened. Add garlic powder, thyme, and Parmesan cheese, then remove from heat.
- Combine and bake: Transfer the roasted onions to a baking dish, pour the Parmesan cream sauce over them, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs if desired, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For easier peeling, blanch pearl onions in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath; skins will slip off easily.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Pairs well with roast chicken, turkey, or beef.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
