Here’s a detailed recipe for Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions, along with some common FAQs to help you along the way.
Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions Recipe
Ingredients:
- 12 small onions (baby or pearl onions work best)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the Onions:
- If using pearl or baby onions, peel them carefully. If you’re using larger onions, slice them into halves or quarters, depending on your preference.
- Toss the onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are well-coated.
- Roast the Onions:
- Spread the onions out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they become tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- While the onions are roasting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Parmesan and Seasoning:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and thyme (along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them). Continue to cook, stirring often, until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Onions and Sauce:
- Once the onions are roasted, transfer them into the skillet with the cream sauce.
- Toss the onions gently to coat them evenly in the sauce. Allow them to simmer together for about 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy!
Serve these delicious roasted parmesan creamed onions as a side dish to complement meats, pasta, or any main course.
FAQs for Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions
1. Can I use frozen pearl onions?
Yes! Frozen pearl onions are a great substitute. You may not need to roast them for as long since they’re already partially cooked, but follow the same process for making the sauce and combining them.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can experiment with different cheeses, like Gruyère or mozzarella, but Parmesan gives that distinct nutty, salty flavor that pairs really well with the cream. If you want a milder flavor, you could try cheddar or a mixture of cheeses.
3. How do I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, you can swap the butter with plant-based butter and use a non-dairy cream (like coconut cream or almond milk), along with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
4. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can roast the onions ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the onions in the cream sauce and simmer until hot.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little splash of cream to prevent the sauce from separating.
6. Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add a small diced jalapeño to the cream sauce for a little more heat.
Let me know if you want to adjust or add anything specific to this recipe!