Sweet onions roasted to perfection, smothered in cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, for the ultimate cozy side dish.
You know those moments when you’re trying to think of a dish that’s simple but still makes you look like a culinary genius? That’s how I stumbled on Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions. One random Wednesday, I was raiding my pantry, trying to figure out what to make for a small dinner with friends. I had onions—a lot of onions—but onions aren’t exactly the star of most dishes, right?
Well, they are now.
I threw this dish together with what I had: some cream, a bit of wine, and, of course, Parmesan cheese. Honestly, I didn’t have high hopes, but when I pulled the bubbling, golden dish out of the oven, it smelled like heaven. One bite in, and we were all hooked. Even my friend, who’s usually not into “weird” dishes (her words, not mine), asked for the recipe.
Now, this is one of my go-to sides for everything—holidays, casual dinners, you name it. It’s that kind of recipe: ridiculously easy, but it feels fancy enough to impress. Plus, it’s made me look like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen more times than I care to admit.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe?
Why are these Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions so darn good? Let me count the ways:
- Big Flavor, Minimal Effort: You’re taking a humble onion and turning it into something magical.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a lazy Sunday, this dish fits right in.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even the “I don’t really like onions” folks can’t resist this creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Customizable: Add herbs, swap cheeses—this dish is flexible enough to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
- Comfort Food Vibes: It’s warm, rich, and just the thing you want on a chilly evening.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break down why these ingredients work so well together:
- Sweet Onions: These caramelize beautifully when roasted, becoming soft and almost candy-like. Vidalia and Walla Walla onions are my top picks, but any sweet onion will do.
- Olive Oil: Helps the onions roast to perfection and adds a hint of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Dry White Wine: A little splash goes a long way in balancing out the richness of the cream. (If you’re not into cooking with wine, chicken broth works just fine!)
- Butter: Adds richness and helps tie all the flavors together.
- Parmesan Cheese: The cheesy, golden crust that makes this dish downright irresistible.
- Cayenne Pepper: Just a tiny bit for a subtle kick that keeps things interesting.
How To Make Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions?
This recipe is super simple, but it delivers big on flavor. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Roast the Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lay out the onion rings in a 9×13-inch baking dish, keeping them in their rings for that pretty presentation. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes. This softens the onions and brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
While the onions are roasting, grab a saucepan and combine the heavy cream, white wine, butter, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Heat it over medium until the butter melts and the cream is warm and bubbly around the edges. You’re not looking for a boil here—just a nice, cozy simmer.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream sauce evenly over the roasted onions, making sure every ring gets some love. Sprinkle a generous handful of Parmesan cheese on top (don’t skimp here—it’s the star of the show). Cover the dish with foil, crank the oven up to 450°F, and bake for 20 minutes.
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Step 4: Caramelize and Finish
Remove the foil and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. This step is where the magic happens—your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll want to dive right in.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Pull the dish out of the oven and serve it hot. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Storage Options:
If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely, but possible), here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave.
- Freezer: Cream-based dishes don’t freeze well, so it’s best to enjoy this fresh.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on this dish? Here are some ideas:
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyere, Fontina, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
- Herbs: Sprinkle in some fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of smoked paprika or extra cayenne for a little heat.
- Lighten It Up: Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.
What to Serve with Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions?
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with all kinds of mains:
- Roast Chicken: The creamy onions complement the crispy, savory chicken perfectly.
- Grilled Steak: The rich flavors are a perfect match for a juicy steak.
- Pasta Night: Serve this alongside a simple pasta dish for an unexpected but delightful pairing.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad balances out the richness of the onions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the onions and make the cream sauce ahead. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of onions work best?
Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are ideal, but yellow onions work too!
Can I skip the wine?
Absolutely. Use chicken broth or even water—it’ll still be delicious.
So, are you ready to give onions the spotlight they deserve? This Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions recipe is a game-changer, and it’s sure to impress at your next meal. Try it out, and let me know how it goes! Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it—drop a comment below!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet onions peeled and cut into ½ inch slices
- 3 tablespoons of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ¼ cup of dry white wine
- ¼ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste
Instructions
- Alright lets get cooking! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Take a parchment lined baking dish. Arrange your sliced onions, in an orderly manner like a well organized army.
- Now give those onions a bath of olive oil. Sprinkle them with some salt and pepper for that extra zing. Pop them into the oven. Let the magic begin.
- While the onions are roasting to perfection it's time for your cream and white wine to come in a saucepan. Heat them up gently until they start simmering
- Once the onions have had their time in the oven carefully transfer them (keeping their organized formation intact) to another baking dish. Pour your creamy sauce over them generously. Top it off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish, with foil. Put it back into the embrace of the oven. After 20 minutes remove the foil for a 5 minutes of roasting.
- Now comes the exciting part. Take out your masterpiece! You'll be greeted by browned caramelized onions swimming in a creamy sauce. Your Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are now ready to be enjoyed. Bon appétit!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
