Introduction
Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are a rich and comforting side dish that elevate simple onions into something elegant and indulgent. The natural sweetness of roasted onions blends perfectly with a creamy, cheesy sauce, while Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, holiday meals, or even as a decadent side for a casual dinner.
Ingredients
6 medium yellow onions (or sweet onions)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cream Sauce
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella or Gruyère cheese (optional, for extra richness)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Topping
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for crunch)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment or lightly grease.
Peel onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Arrange onion slices in a single layer on the baking dish. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until softened and lightly golden.
While onions roast, prepare the cream sauce:
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly add warm milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened.
Stir in garlic powder, nutmeg, Parmesan, and optional mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the cream sauce over the roasted onions. Sprinkle with Parmesan and breadcrumbs.
Return to the oven and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Cool slightly before serving.
Description
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful. The onions become sweet and caramelized from roasting, while the Parmesan cream sauce adds richness and indulgence. The baked topping creates a golden, slightly crispy finish that makes each bite irresistible.
Tips
Choose sweet onions for a milder, more caramelized flavor.
Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps in the sauce.
If making ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce for extra flavor.
Variations
Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
Extra cheesy: Add Gruyère or Fontina for a more complex cheese flavor.
Garlic lovers: Roast garlic alongside the onions and mash it into the sauce.
Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Individual portions: Bake in ramekins for an elegant presentation.
Correction
A common mistake is not roasting the onions long enough before adding the sauce—this can leave them too sharp in flavor. Be patient and let them caramelize lightly. Another issue is over-thickening the cream sauce; remove it from the heat once it coats the back of a spoon to keep it silky.
Enjoy
Serve Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions alongside roast chicken, steak, or turkey for a decadent side dish. Each bite combines the sweetness of roasted onions with creamy, cheesy indulgence—a perfect comfort food that feels gourmet.