Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions: Elevate Your Side Dish Game with Irresistible Elegance
In the realm of side dishes, where culinary simplicity meets elevated elegance, Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions emerge as a delightful revelation. This sophisticated dish takes the humble onion and transforms it into a creamy, roasted masterpiece, showcasing the rich flavors of Parmesan and the velvety texture of a luscious cream sauce. Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the art of crafting the perfect Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions—a side dish that promises to steal the spotlight at your table.
Ingredients:
To embark on the creation of Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions, gather the following ingredients:
For the Roasted Onions:
- 2 pounds pearl onions, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and white pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Onions: Peel the pearl onions, and trim the tops and bottoms. Place the peeled onions on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast the Onions: Drizzle the peeled onions with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Stir halfway through for even roasting.
- Create the Cream Sauce: While the onions are roasting, prepare the cream sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the roux doesn’t brown.
- Add the Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, usually 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
- Combine Roasted Onions and Cream Sauce: Once the onions are roasted to perfection, transfer them to the cream sauce. Gently fold the onions into the sauce until each onion is generously coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Cook Notes:
- Peeling Pearl Onions: Peeling pearl onions can be time-consuming. To make the process easier, blanch the onions in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slip off easily.
- Consistency of the Cream Sauce: Adjust the consistency of the cream sauce by adding more cream if it’s too thick or cooking it longer if it needs to thicken. The goal is a velvety, pourable sauce.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different varieties of Parmesan for nuanced flavors. A combination of Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano can add depth to the dish.
Variations:
Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: For a tangy twist, drizzle a balsamic reduction over the Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions just before serving. The acidity adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the dish.
Crispy Bacon Bits: Elevate the dish by incorporating crispy bacon bits into the cream sauce. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon complements the sweetness of the roasted onions.
Herb Infusion: Enhance the herbaceous notes by adding fresh herbs such as rosemary or chives to the cream sauce. This variation introduces a garden-fresh element to the dish.
Keto Version:
To make a keto-friendly version of Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or another low-carb alternative. Be mindful of the carb content in heavy cream and adjust the quantity to fit your dietary needs.
Low-Carb Version:
For a low-carb adaptation, use a low-carb thickening agent in place of all-purpose flour. Choose a low-carb cream substitute or dilute heavy cream with water to reduce the carb content.
Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions is a celebration of flavors and textures—a dish that effortlessly marries the sweet, caramelized goodness of roasted onions with the luxurious creaminess of Parmesan sauce. As you savor each bite, you’ll experience a symphony of tastes that dance across your palate, leaving you longing for more. Whether served as a side dish at a holiday feast or as an unexpected star at a weeknight dinner, this dish showcases the versatility of onions in a truly delectable way. So, embrace the indulgence, relish the richness, and let Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions become a timeless favorite in your culinary repertoire.
