Dive into a flavorful world where sweet onions meet Parmesan, cream, and wine, creating an ambrosial side dish perfect for elevating any meal. With a rich combination of creamy flavors and aromatic roasted onions, this dish is simple to make yet will impress any guest. Whether paired with steak, pork, or even tofu, it’s a versatile accompaniment that brings sophistication to any table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 large Vidalia or Walla Walla onions, peeled and sliced to a thickness of 1/4 inch

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup dry white wine

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Arrange the onion slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping the rings intact. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.

3. While the onions roast, combine heavy cream and white wine in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. After 15 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C).

5. Transfer the roasted onions to a shallow baking dish. Pour the cream and wine mixture over the onions, then sprinkle with Parmesan.

6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 5 more minutes, or until the onions are golden and caramelized.

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 443

• Carbohydrates: 27g

• Protein: 6g

• Fat: 35g

• Saturated Fat: 16g

• Cholesterol: 87mg

• Sodium: 146mg

• Potassium: 449mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 17g

• Vitamin A: 929IU

• Vitamin C: 16mg

• Calcium: 174mg

• Iron: 1mg

Enjoy this rich, creamy dish with a delicate balance of flavors that will surely impress!

The Appeal of Roasted Onions

Onions are a staple in many kitchens around the world, valued for their ability to enhance the flavor of a wide range of dishes. However, when onions are roasted, they undergo a magical transformation. The heat caramelizes their natural sugars, resulting in a sweet, rich, and savory flavor profile that’s far more complex than raw or sautéed onions. This caramelization process also softens the onions, making them melt-in-your-mouth tender while maintaining their structure.

In this recipe, the onions are sliced into rings, which allows them to roast evenly and maintain their shape. As they roast, the outer edges become golden and crispy, while the inner layers stay soft and juicy. The end result is a perfect balance between texture and flavor, with the roasted onions serving as a delicious base for the creamy and cheesy topping.

Why Vidalia or Walla Walla Onions?

For this dish, Vidalia or Walla Walla onions are the best choice due to their natural sweetness. Both of these onion varieties are known for their mild, sweet flavor and low sulfur content, which makes them ideal for roasting. While yellow onions are more pungent and sharp, Vidalia and Walla Walla onions become sweet and tender when cooked, making them perfect for this dish.

Vidalia onions are grown primarily in Georgia, while Walla Walla onions come from Washington state. Both varieties are considered premium onions and are favored for their ability to add a subtle sweetness to dishes. When these onions are roasted and combined with the creamy sauce, their sweetness intensifies, complementing the richness of the cream and the saltiness of the Parmesan.

Creating the Perfect Creamy Sauce

The creamy sauce that accompanies the roasted onions is a key component of this dish, contributing both richness and flavor. Made with heavy cream and dry white wine, the sauce offers a balance of smoothness and acidity. The white wine adds a subtle depth to the dish, while the cream brings richness and helps to bind the ingredients together.

The sauce is simmered on the stovetop until small bubbles form around the edges, which helps thicken the mixture slightly. Once the onions are roasted, this creamy sauce is poured over them, creating a luscious, velvety layer that melds perfectly with the sweet, caramelized onions. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, the sauce further enhances the flavors of the dish.

The Role of Parmesan in This Dish

Parmesan cheese is an essential ingredient in Roasted Onion Parmesan Bake, as it provides a salty, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the cream. Parmesan also has a firm texture that allows it to melt and form a golden, crispy crust on top of the dish during baking.

Freshly grated Parmesan is the key to achieving the best flavor. Pre-grated cheese often lacks the same depth of taste and texture. By grating the Parmesan yourself, you ensure that it melts smoothly and evenly, creating a golden, bubbling topping that adds both flavor and texture to the dish.

The Baking Process: How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

Once the onions are roasted and the creamy sauce has been added, the dish is transferred to the oven for the final bake. The first step is to cover the dish with foil and bake it at 450°F (232°C) for 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the onions become soft and tender. After 20 minutes, the foil is removed, and the dish is baked for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and form a golden, bubbly crust.

It is essential not to skip the step of removing the foil towards the end of the baking time. This allows the Parmesan to crisp up and become golden brown, adding a satisfying texture to the dish. The result is a perfectly cooked dish with a creamy, cheesy topping and tender roasted onions that will leave your guests craving more.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Onion Parmesan Bake can be served in a variety of ways. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like steak, pork, or chicken, as the richness of the cream and cheese complements the savory flavors of the meat. For a more vegetarian-friendly option, this dish can also be served alongside grilled tofu or roasted vegetables.

Additionally, the dish works well as a side for holiday meals or family gatherings. Its rich, indulgent flavor makes it a perfect choice for special occasions. The comforting nature of roasted onions and creamy sauce is sure to please both children and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleasing option for any gathering.

For a lighter, healthier meal, this dish can also be paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. The combination of the creamy, savory onions with a crisp, fresh salad creates a balanced meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.

Conclusion

Roasted Onion Parmesan Bake is a simple yet sophisticated dish that elevates any meal. With its rich, creamy sauce, sweet roasted onions, and golden Parmesan topping, this dish is a true delight for the senses. The combination of flavors—sweet, savory, and umami—comes together beautifully, making it a versatile side dish that pairs well with a wide range of main courses.

Whether you’re preparing a special dinner for guests or looking for a comforting addition to a family meal, Roasted Onion Parmesan Bake is sure to impress. Its ease of preparation, coupled with its luxurious flavor, makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Try making it today and enjoy the delicious balance of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.