Roasted Pearl Onions in Parmesan Cream

Recipe Introduction
Fancy a twist on a classic?
Ever had those creamed onions that were, well, a bit bland? Honestly, me too. But what if I told you Roasted Creamed Onions could be totally lush? Get ready, 'cause this recipe’s about to blow your Nan's out of the water.
We're talking sweet, roasted onions swimming in a cheesy, dreamy sauce.
What's the story?
Creamed onions have been around for ages, a proper comfort food side dish , especially in the UK and the US.
It's a simple dish, but we are elevating it! This version takes it up a notch by roasting the onions first.
Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. This recipe is proper easy. You'll need about an hour all in, and it makes enough for 4-6 people.
Perfect for a Sunday roast!
Why you'll love this!
These Parmesan Creamed Onions aren't just tasty; they're also pretty good for you. Onions are packed with antioxidants. Plus, this dish is ideal for a special occasion.
Think Thanksgiving Side Dish or even a fancy dinner party. What makes them special? The roasting gives them a deep, caramelised flavour, and the Parmesan adds a salty, savory kick.
Ready to make this?
The Secret Ingredient
These Roasted Onions are about to become your new go-to Vegetables Side Dishes . Trust me, once you try this Creamy Onion Recipe , you won't go back to the old, sad version.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Roasted Creamed Onions
Alright, let's talk about what you need to make these amazing Roasted Creamed Onions ! Honestly, it's pretty straightforward. We're making some proper comfort food side dish here, so nothing too fancy.
You could even call them Parmesan Creamed Onions .
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- 1.5 lbs (680g) Pearl Onions: Yup, you'll need a good pile of them. Look for firm, dry onions without any sprouts. This is your Onion Side Dish Sorted.
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin is best. You know, the good stuff.
- Salt and Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is a must.
- 4 tablespoons (57g) Unsalted Butter: Don't skimp on the butter. It's crucial for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons (16g) All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 cups (475ml) Whole Milk: Full fat is where it's at for that extra creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup (50g) Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always better than the pre-shredded stuff. Save some for garnish!
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g) Ground Nutmeg: Just a touch for that warm, cozy flavour.
- 2 tablespoons (15g) Chopped Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of colour and freshness.
Seasoning Notes: Making It Extra Special
Essential spice combination? Parmesan and Nutmeg. Perfect. For flavour enhancers, a little garlic powder. Adds a depth that is really interesting.
If you don't have nutmeg, a pinch of mace will do the trick.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
You only need a few essential things for this Creamy Onion Recipe .
- Large pot: For blanching the onions.
- Colander: To drain the onions.
- Baking sheet: For roasting. Don't overcrowd the Roasted Onions for better color and cook.
- Large skillet or saucepan: For making the cream sauce.
- Whisk: To keep the sauce smooth.
Honestly, if you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. We are not making rocket science.
Making these Roasted Pearl Onions is a Thanksgiving Side Dish or Holiday Side Dish that everyone loves. Trust me!
Roasted Creamed Onions : A Classic Reinvented!
Alright, let's talk about Roasted Creamed Onions . Honestly, who doesn't love comfort food? This dish is like a warm hug on a plate.
It's way better than the watery stuff you might remember. We're talking Roasted Pearl Onions that are sweet, tender and drowned in a creamy Parmesan Creamed Onions sauce.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get organised. It's called mise en place in fancy chef lingo. It just means having everything ready.
Peel those 680g of pearl onions . A quick 2-minute blanch in boiling water makes peeling a cinch. Trust me on this.
Nobody wants to spend all day peeling tiny onions, right? Safety reminder: use a pot and be careful with hot water!
Let's Get Cooking: Roasted Onions step-by-step
- Boil the onions for 2 minutes .
- Peel the onions after a quick rinse.
- Toss the onions with 30ml of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast on a baking sheet at 200° C ( 400° F) for 30- 40 minutes .
- Make a roux with 57g of butter and 16g of flour in a pan.
- Slowly add 475ml of milk until smooth.
- Stir in 50g of Parmesan and nutmeg.
- Add the roasted onions to the sauce!
Pro Tips for Creamy Onion Recipe Perfection
Want to take these Vegetables Side Dishes to the next level? Here's the secret: Don't overcrowd the roasting pan. You want caramelisation, not steaming.
Another golden rule: Use good Parmesan, it makes a HUGE difference. And if you are thinking about making a Thanksgiving Side Dish , know that both the sauce and the onions can be made ahead of time and combined later.
You know? It's a lifesaver.
These Parmesan Creamed Onions are amazing as a Holiday Side Dish . They're perfect with roast chicken or beef. They also work great with pork tenderloin.
Or, you can use them as part of a veggie Wellington. Pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and you're golden.
Honestly, it's pure Comfort Food Side Dish heaven.
Recipe Notes for Your Best Ever Roasted Creamed Onions
Right, so you're about to tackle these Roasted Creamed Onions . You are so ready? Before we dive in, let’s chat about a few things that'll make this recipe even easier and tastier.
Trust me, it's all about those little details! Plus, who doesn't love tips and tricks? I swear I learned these the hard way.
Serving up Perfection with Parmesan Creamed Onions
Okay, presentation matters, even when you're just cooking for yourself. Honestly. Forget basic plating. Instead, pile those Creamed Onions high in a rustic bowl, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and maybe a sprig of parsley.
The dish looks amazing. For sides? I love serving these next to a juicy roast chicken. It's pure Comfort Food Side Dish bliss, especially perfect as a Thanksgiving Side Dish .
A crisp white wine think Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness perfectly. The perfect pairing!
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Roasted Onions keep well. Pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, a gentle warm-up in a saucepan is best. Avoid the microwave. If you're thinking long term, freezing is an option, although the sauce might separate a bit.
Honestly, it still tastes great though. When reheating from frozen, thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Creamy Onion Recipe : Let's Get Creative
Want to mix things up? You got it! For a dairy-free version, use plant based butter and almond milk. Nutritional yeast adds that cheesy flavour without any actual cheese.
It's proper lush. Feeling fancy? A sprig of thyme while the sauce simmers adds a herby note. For a Holiday Side Dish that's totally unique.
Alternatively you could even throw in some roasted garlic when you roast the Roasted Pearl Onions , YUM!.
Onion Side Dish : The Good Stuff
Here's a little secret: onions are actually really good for you. Who knew? This recipe gives you fiber and Vitamin C! It's got approximately 250 calories per serving, 8 grams of protein, and some healthy fats.
So you can feel good about indulging. The estimated value of sodium is about 300mg and the carbohydrates are about 20g per serving.
So there you have it. Roasted Creamed Onions is a recipe that's both easy and impressive. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Happy cooking, and remember, even if it doesn't turn out perfectly, it'll still taste delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really worth the faff peeling all those pearl onions for these Roasted Creamed Onions?
Absolutely! Blanching them first makes peeling pearl onions a breeze, like taking the pith off an orange. Plus, the roasted flavour is far superior to boiling them, which can leave them watery. Think of it as a bit of therapeutic kitchen time, you might even enjoy it with a cuppa and some tunes!
Can I make these Roasted Creamed Onions ahead of time if I'm hosting a dinner party?
Good thinking, less stress is always good, isn't it? Yes, you can! Roast the onions and make the cream sauce separately a day or two in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Then, just combine and gently heat through before serving, and nobody will know your secret!
I don't have Parmesan cheese, what else could I use in these Roasted Creamed Onions?
While Parmesan adds a lovely nutty flavour, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute for a sharper, saltier kick think of it as the cheeky cousin of Parmesan. You could also use a strong mature cheddar, but be mindful of the salt content.
For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy ish flavour and works well.
How long do leftover Roasted Creamed Onions last, and what's the best way to reheat them?
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container perfect for a cheeky Boxing Day snack. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
You might need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it's thickened up too much, nobody wants dry Roasted Creamed Onions!
I'm trying to be a bit healthier, are there any lightened-up variations for these Roasted Creamed Onions?
You can definitely make this dish a bit lighter. Use olive oil instead of butter for roasting, and try using half and-half or even skimmed milk in the sauce, although the sauce might be a little thinner. Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a lower fat cheese option.
Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal, Bob's your uncle!
Help! My cream sauce is lumpy! What did I do wrong, and can I fix it?
Lumpy sauce can be a pain, but don't panic! This usually happens if the flour isn't properly incorporated into the butter when making the roux. The best way to fix it is to take the sauce off the heat and whisk vigorously (a balloon whisk works best) until smooth.
You can also try passing it through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining lumps. Next time, make sure to whisk constantly while adding the milk to the roux to prevent lumps from forming. Keep calm and carry on!
Roasted Pearl Onions In Parmesan Cream

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |