Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions

 

Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions: The Unsung Hero of Side Dishes

If you’ve never experienced the magic of roasted onions swimming in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce… get ready. Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are about to change the way you think about this humble vegetable.

Naturally sweet and tender, onions transform in the oven — caramelizing at the edges and becoming melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. Pair that with a rich, Parmesan-infused cream sauce, and you’ve got a dish that’s equal parts rustic and elegant. It’s the perfect side for steak dinners, roasted turkey, or even as a stand-alone veggie dish for a cozy night in.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients, huge flavor payoff

Creamy, cheesy, savory with a touch of sweetness

Perfect balance of roasted depth and velvety richness

A unique side that’ll surprise and delight guests

 Ingredients

4–5 medium yellow or sweet onions, peeled and halved

2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp ground thyme (optional)

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)

Fresh parsley or thyme, for garnish

 Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

Prep the Onions
Slice the onions in half lengthwise (from root to tip), then place them cut-side down in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Roast the Onions
Roast for 25–30 minutes, until the onions are beginning to caramelize around the edges and are fork-tender.

Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the heavy cream with garlic powder, thyme (if using), and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Do not boil.

Add the Sauce to Onions
Pour the warm Parmesan cream sauce over the roasted onions. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.

Bake Again
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Garnish & Serve
Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve warm.

Variations & Tips

Use pearl onions for a bite-sized twist — just blanch and peel before roasting.

Make it smoky with a dash of smoked paprika or a handful of crumbled bacon.

Try other cheeses like Gruyère, asiago, or fontina for different flavor profiles.

Lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but reduce sauce carefully.

 Perfect Pairings

Roasted chicken or turkey

Grilled steak or pork tenderloin

Creamy mashed potatoes

Rustic sourdough bread to soak up that sauce

 Final Thoughts

Roasted Parmesan Creamed Onions are one of those dishes that make you wonder why onions aren’t always the star of the show. With their sweet-savory depth and creamy richness, they offer a gourmet flair with minimal effort.

Bring them to your next holiday table or weeknight dinner — and be prepared to hand out the recipe. This one’s a keeper.