Easy Ina Garten Creamed Onions Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Minutes

Creamed onions embody pure culinary comfort with their rich, silky essence that transforms ordinary vegetables into something magical.

Soft and luxurious, these tender alliums swim in a velvety sauce that whispers elegance on every plate.

White and golden varieties work beautifully, offering subtle sweet undertones that complement hearty meals.

Traditional yet sophisticated, creamed onions represent a classic side dish that elevates family gatherings and festive dinners.

Sophisticated home cooks appreciate how these delicate vegetables absorb complex flavors and create memorable dining experiences.

Gentle cooking techniques unlock their natural sweetness, producing a dish both nostalgic and refined.

Guaranteed to impress even discerning palates, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey: bon appétit!

Variations for Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Smoky Bacon Creamed Onions: Crisp chopped bacon and sprinkle on top before baking for a savory, smoky flavor profile that adds rich depth to the classic dish.
• Blue Cheese Herb Edition: Replace Parmesan with crumbled blue cheese and add fresh thyme or rosemary to create a more complex, earthy taste that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Mix in roasted red peppers and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that transforms the creamy onion casserole into a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.
• Caramelized Garlic Infusion: Roast whole garlic cloves alongside the onions and blend them into the cheese sauce for an intense, mellow garlic undertone that complements the sweet caramelized onions.

A Wrap-Up on Ina Garten Creamed Onions

Creamy, caramelized onions nestled in a velvety Parmesan sauce showcase Ina Garten’s culinary magic.

Golden panko crumbs add delightful crunch to this luxurious side dish.

Mediterranean sherry whispers elegant complexity through each savory bite.

Sophisticated comfort emerges from simple ingredients transformed with careful technique.

Home cooks can master this gourmet recipe with Garten’s straightforward approach.

Rich layers of flavor invite passionate eaters to savor, share their kitchen creations, spark conversations about this irresistible recipe, and spread delicious inspiration across social media platforms.

Why Ina Garten’s Creamed Onions Are So Cozy

• Slow-Caramelize for Depth: The 40-minute caramelization process transforms ordinary onions into a rich, sweet delicacy that develops complex, mellow flavors rarely found in quick-cooked dishes.
• Creamy Cheese Sauce Magic: The homemade Parmesan sauce creates a luxurious, velvety coating that hugs each onion wedge, delivering a decadent texture that elevates this humble vegetable into a gourmet side dish.
• Crispy Panko Crunch: The golden-brown panko topping adds an irresistible textural contrast, providing a satisfying crackle that breaks through the smooth, creamy base and keeps every bite interesting and exciting.
• Elegant Simplicity: Despite its sophisticated taste, this recipe requires basic cooking techniques and minimal ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks who want to impress without complicated steps or hard-to-find components.

Crucial Ingredients for Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Sweet or yellow onions are the star of this dish, providing a rich, caramelized base with deep flavor. Choose fresh, firm onions without soft spots or blemishes.
• Whole milk creates a creamy, smooth sauce that binds the dish together. Fresh, high-quality milk ensures the best taste and texture.
• Unsalted butter adds richness and helps caramelize onions and create a smooth sauce. Use high-quality butter for the best flavor.

• Aged Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth to the cheese sauce. Choose freshly grated Parmesan for the most intense flavor.
• Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best result.

• All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Dry sherry adds a subtle, complex flavor to the caramelized onions. Use a good-quality cooking sherry.
• Crispy panko breadcrumbs provide a golden, crunchy topping that adds texture to the creamy dish.

Straightforward Guide to Ina Garten Creamed Onions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a gratin dish or medium casserole with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Slice and Prep Onions

• Carefully cut onions in half lengthwise
• Remove outer skin
• Slice halves into thick, hearty wedges

Step 3: Caramelize Onion Magic

In a Dutch oven, melt of butter over medium heat. Add onion wedges and cook slowly, stirring occasionally until they turn golden and melt-in-your-mouth soft, about 40 minutes. Pour in sherry and let it simmer until completely absorbed.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

• Melt of butter
• Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute
• Gradually pour scalded milk, whisking continuously
• Stir until sauce thickens smoothly
• Remove from heat
• Fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Season with salt and pepper to taste

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

• Mix caramelized onions with cheese sauce
• Transfer mixture to prepared gratin dish
• Melt butter
• Toss with panko breadcrumbs
• Sprinkle buttery crumbs evenly over top
• Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown

Chef’s Tips for Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Capture Cheesy Brilliance: Grate Parmesan fresh right before adding to lock in maximum flavor and ensure smooth melting.
• Prevent Sticky Situations: Lightly grease your baking dish with butter to guarantee easy serving and effortless cleanup.
• Crank Up Crunch Factor: Butter-toast panko crumbs until golden brown, creating an irresistible crispy topping that elevates texture.
• Smooth Sauce Secret: Whisk constantly when combining milk with butter and flour to eliminate potential lumps and achieve silky perfection.
• Flavor Development Mastery: Cook onions slowly over medium heat, allowing natural sugars to caramelize and develop deep, complex taste profiles.

How to Store Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Cold Storage: Transfer creamed onions to a glass or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal completely to lock in moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezing Method: Separate onions into portion-sized containers before freezing. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Frozen creamed onions maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen creamed onions overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore original creamy consistency if sauce appears separated. Stir until heated through and smooth.

Ina Garten Creamed Onions Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s creamed onions elevate simple pearl onions into a luxurious side dish with rich, velvety cream and delicate seasoning. Gentle simmering and careful layering of flavors create a sophisticated accompaniment you’ll want to savor alongside roasted meats or holiday meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) sweet onions (Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onions)

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk, scalded
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, divided

Pantry Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) cream sherry
• ½ cup (60 grams) panko crumbs
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by heating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coating a medium-sized gratin dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully slice onions in half lengthwise, remove the outer papery skin, and cut each half into thick, robust wedges that will hold their shape during cooking.
3. Transform the onions into a rich, golden delicacy by melting 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) of butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Gently add onion wedges and allow them to slowly caramelize, stirring occasionally until they become soft, sweet, and deep amber-colored, which requires approximately 40 minutes of patient cooking.
4. Deglaze the onion pan with sherry, letting the liquid simmer and completely evaporate, concentrating the flavor and creating a more intense taste profile.
5. In the same Dutch oven, melt an additional 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) of butter. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and cook for one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, creating a smooth roux.
6. Gradually pour in the scalded milk, whisking continuously to create a velvety smooth cheese sauce. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
7. Remove the sauce from heat and fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor.
8. Combine the caramelized onions with the creamy cheese sauce, mixing gently to ensure even distribution. Transfer the mixture to the prepared gratin dish.
9. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) of butter and toss with panko breadcrumbs to create a crisp, golden topping. Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the onion and cheese sauce.
10. Place the gratin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become bubbly and crisp.

Notes

• Elevate your holiday feast with this luxurious side dish that transforms ordinary onions into a creamy, flavor-packed sensation.
• Choose sweet yellow or white onions that become incredibly tender and mellow during the slow cooking process.
• Caramelizing onions develops a deep, rich sweetness that creates an unbelievable depth of flavor throughout the dish.
• The panko breadcrumb topping adds a stunning golden crunch that perfectly contrasts the silky smooth sauce underneath.
• Prepare this make-ahead marvel in advance, making it a stress-free addition to your most elegant dinner gatherings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 223
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 247 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 36 mg