Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

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🧅 Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions – A Decadent Side Dish That Deserves the Spotlight

If you’re tired of the same old side dishes, it’s time to try something truly memorable: Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions. This rich, flavorful dish transforms humble onions into a luxurious, creamy, cheese-laced delight. With a golden, caramelized top and a silky Parmesan sauce, these onions are proof that the side dish can steal the show.

This dish is perfect for:

  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • Sunday dinners
  • Date night meals
  • Cozy fall and winter menus

In this guide, you’ll find the best roasted creamed onions recipe, tips for perfect texture, ideas for variations, and answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you master this decadent dish.

🌟 Why You’ll Love These Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

  • ✅ Sweet, roasted flavor: Roasting brings out the onions’ natural sweetness and adds a caramelized depth.
  • ✅ Rich, cheesy cream sauce: Parmesan adds salty umami that balances the sweetness of the onions.
  • ✅ Elegant but easy: Impressive enough for the holidays but simple enough for a weeknight.
  • ✅ Versatile: Serve with meats, roasts, or even vegetarian mains.
  • ✅ Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead and finishing just before dinner.

Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a holiday feast, this recipe offers comfort food with a gourmet touch.

🛒 Ingredients for Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

🧅 For the Roasted Onions:

  • 6 to 8 small yellow or sweet onions (such as Vidalia), peeled and halved through the root
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

🧀 For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1¼ cups heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra Parmesan for topping

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Onions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Cut onions in half lengthwise (leave the root end intact to hold layers together).
  3. Place onions cut-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs (if using).
  5. Roast for 25–30 minutes or until edges are caramelized and onions are tender.

🧄 Tip: Choose onions of similar size for even roasting. Sweet onions work best for flavor and texture.

Step 2: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

While the onions are roasting:

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to make a blond roux.
  3. Slowly add the cream or milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  4. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Stir until thickened, then reduce heat and mix in the Parmesan.
  6. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth and velvety.

🧀 Flavor tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

  1. Flip the roasted onions cut-side up.
  2. Pour the Parmesan sauce evenly over the onions.
  3. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan.
  4. Return dish to oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of browned butter for added richness.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

These creamy roasted onions pair beautifully with:

  • Roast beef or prime rib
  • Herb-roasted chicken or turkey
  • Pork chops or ham
  • Baked salmon or trout
  • Mushroom risotto or lentil loaf (for a vegetarian meal)

You can also serve them on toast or as part of a vegetable gratin platter.

❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips

  • To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • To reheat: Bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave in short intervals.
  • To freeze: Not recommended — the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
  • To make ahead: Roast onions and make sauce 1 day ahead. Assemble and bake before serving.

🔄 Variations and Add-Ons

  • Add Gruyère or Fontina: For an even richer, melty topping.
  • Use shallots or pearl onions: More elegant for individual servings.
  • Add bacon or pancetta: Sautéed and sprinkled on top before baking.
  • Infuse the cream: Simmer cream with herbs or garlic for extra flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes — use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce, or a gluten-free flour blend.

Q: What if I only have large onions?
You can slice them into thick rings or wedges instead of halves. Just ensure they’re roasted until tender.

Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, whole milk works. The sauce will be slightly lighter but still rich.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using unsweetened oat milk or cashew cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken: cook a few minutes longer. To thin: whisk in more milk or broth.

✨ Final Thoughts

Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are more than a side dish — they’re a centerpiece. Rich, cheesy, and deeply savory, they elevate any meal they accompany. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner or just want a cozy upgrade for your regular roast, this dish delivers impressive flavor with minimal fuss.

Once you try them, you may find yourself making these creamy onions on repeat all season long.

📌 Save This Recipe!

Love this dish? Bookmark it or pin it to your Holiday Side Dishes or Comfort Food Recipes board on Pinterest. And don’t forget to share your version using #ParmesanCreamedOnions on Instagram!

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