Grandma's Famous Creamed Onions Au Gratin

Bring comfort food to the next level with Grandma's Famous Creamed Onions Au Gratin, a rich and indulgent dish that’s perfect for holiday dinners or cozy gatherings. This classic recipe combines tender pearl onions bathed in a creamy, cheese-laden sauce featuring sharp cheddar and Parmesan, all topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunchy finish. The addition of freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle depth of flavor, while the gooey, bubbling crust makes it irresistibly decadent. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleasing side dish is as nostalgic as it is delicious. Serve it warm, garnished with fresh parsley, and watch it steal the spotlight on your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds pearl onions
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 teaspoons nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the pearl onions and blanch them for 2 minutes.

Step 3

Drain the onions and transfer them to an ice water bath to cool. Once cooled, peel the onions by pinching the root end to pop the onion out of its skin. Set aside.

Step 4

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and bubbling.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted. Add the nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Step 7

In the prepared baking dish, spread the peeled onions evenly. Pour the cheese sauce over the onions, ensuring they are fully coated.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the remaining Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the onions. Top with the remaining 0.5 cup of cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2031.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3118.6

Total Fat 216.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 130.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 642.6mg	0%
Sodium 4351.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 198.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.3g	0%
Total Sugars 63.4g
Protein 104.6g	0%

Vitamin D 250.7IU	0%
Calcium 2653.5mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 2296.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.7%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 25.1%