Imagine a side dish so decadent, so luxuriously creamy, that it steals the spotlight from your main course. Our Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are not just a recipe; they're a gastronomic revelation that will elevate your cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. With a perfect balance of caramelized sweetness, rich Parmesan, and velvety cream, this Italian-inspired delicacy is about to become your new obsession in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups pearl onions, peeled
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even roasting.
- Carefully peel the pearl onions, removing the papery outer skin. If the onions are difficult to peel, blanch them briefly in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath to make peeling easier.
- Place the peeled pearl onions in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat the onions evenly.
- Spread the seasoned onions on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows them to roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Roast the onions in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking. The onions should become soft, caramelized, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Remove the roasted onions from the oven and transfer them to a medium saucepan. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Gently stir the onions to coat them with the cream and cheese mixture, allowing the cheese to melt and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the onions beautifully.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the creamed onions to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves for added aroma and visual appeal.
- Serve hot as a luxurious side dish, ideally alongside roasted meats or as part of an elegant holiday meal.
Tips
- Peeling pearl onions can be tricky - blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water to make the process easier.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting. Give the onions space to caramelize evenly and develop deep, rich flavors.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the most robust flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Watch the cream sauce carefully while heating to prevent scorching - stir gently and keep the heat low.
- For an extra touch of elegance, use fresh thyme leaves as a garnish to add both visual appeal and a subtle herbal note.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, making it perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
