If you’ve never had roasted Parmesan creamed onions before, you’re in for a treat! These little bites of heaven are sweet, savory, and absolutely luxurious. The onions become perfectly caramelized in the oven, then get bathed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that takes them completely over the top. It’s the kind of side dish that will have everyone at the table sneaking seconds (and maybe thirds). Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going straight into your holiday or dinner party lineup.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Works beautifully as a side for roasts, poultry, or even vegetarian mains.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples and fresh onions.
Quick and Easy: Most of the work is hands-off while the onions roast.
Customizable: Add fresh herbs or swap in different cheeses for your own twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet, savory, and creamy—this dish is always a winner with everyone.

Ingredients in Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

Here’s what makes this side dish so indulgent and flavorful:
Onions: The star ingredient, which becomes tender and sweet when roasted.
Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth of flavor.
Butter: Helps the onions caramelize and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
Garlic: Brings a warm, aromatic element.
Olive Oil: Keeps the onions moist as they roast.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and amplifying all the flavors.
Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature and lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Onions: Peel and halve the onions, keeping the root end intact to help hold their shape.
Roast: Place the onions cut-side up in the baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast until golden and tender.
Make the Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the butter and garlic until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened.
Combine: Pour the cream sauce over the roasted onions, making sure each onion is coated.
Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is lightly golden.
Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm as a decadent side dish to your favorite meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with so many meals:
Serve alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or beef for a special-occasion dinner.
Pair with vegetarian mains like mushroom risotto or lentil loaf.
Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up that creamy Parmesan sauce.
Add to a holiday buffet table—they’ll disappear quickly!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Choose onions that are similar in size for even roasting.
Don’t rush the roasting process; the slower they cook, the sweeter they become.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
Add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for a subtle tang.
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use pearl onions instead of regular onions?
Yes, pearl onions work beautifully and make for an elegant presentation.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can roast the onions and make the sauce a day ahead, then assemble and bake before serving.
3. Can I use a different cheese?
Gruyère, Asiago, or Pecorino Romano would all be delicious alternatives.
4. Do I have to peel the onions completely?
Yes, remove the outer papery skins, but keep the root end intact so they hold together.
5. Can I make it lighter?
You can swap half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
6. What herbs pair best with this dish?
Thyme, rosemary, or sage complement the flavors beautifully.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
8. Can I freeze roasted Parmesan creamed onions?
It’s not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
9. Can I use sweet onions?
Yes, sweet onions like Vidalia add an extra level of caramelized flavor.
10. Why are my onions not caramelizing?
Make sure the oven is hot enough and avoid overcrowding the pan.

CONCLUSION

Roasted Parmesan creamed onions are a side dish that’s sure to impress. They’re sweet, savory, and drenched in a luscious cream sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or even a cozy night at home, this recipe is the ultimate way to elevate humble onions into something extraordinary.

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