Comforting Creamed Onion Casserole
This Comforting Creamed Onion Casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. It’s packed with tender onions simmered in a creamy, buttery sauce, seasoned with a hint of nutmeg for that cozy, almost nostalgic flavor. The topping? A golden, crispy layer of buttery breadcrumbs that adds the perfect crunch with every bite. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple yet deeply satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a side for a holiday spread. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- 5 medium onions sliced into half-rings
- 1 1/4 c water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 c whole milk
- 1 c breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Butter up a casserole dish (either 8x8 or 9x5) and place it on a cookie sheet—just a little insurance against any bubbling over—then set it aside.
- In a big pan, soften 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in your sliced onions and let them cook for around 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Next, add the water, salt, pepper, and a dash of nutmeg for that warm, cozy flavor. Turn the heat down to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. If things start to look a bit dry, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit more water to keep it all saucy.
- While your onions are softening up, preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Once your onions are ready, sprinkle in the flour and slowly pour in the milk. Give it a good whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, which should only take a couple of minutes. If you think it needs more seasoning, go ahead and adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour that creamy onion mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Top it off with the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, cut into bits, and an even layer of breadcrumbs.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
Want to make this dish gluten-free? Super easy! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that works well for thickening, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for that golden topping. Most of the other ingredients—onions, butter, milk—are naturally gluten-free, so you’re really just adjusting those two ingredients. The result? All the creamy, comforting goodness with zero gluten worries.