creamed parmesan pearl onion casserole
This is a must-have side dish for my family's Thanksgiving. Do not use pickled or cocktail onions. Use plain ones in brine, such as Aunt Nellie's brand Holland-style Pearl Onions in a clear glass jar. You could pre-cook frozen pearl onions, but the jarred ones are better and softer. The sherry is optional. I have not made this using regular, fresh onions. Walmart sells Aunt Nellie's in a jar, and I've found it at QFC (Kroger affiliate) in Washington state, and sometimes at Albertsons. You can make this one day ahead and partially bake. Then finish baking for 10-15 minutes on the day of.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Growing up, you probably found this creamed Parmesan pearl onion casserole on your Christmas or Thanksgiving table. It's nostalgic and just as delicious as we remember from being a kid. The onions are tender and almost sweet next to the creamy sauce. Parmesan cheese adds salt and a savory flavor to the sauce. Melted cheese and paprika sprinkled on top make this simple side dish seem fancy.
Ingredients
- 2 jars whole pearl onions (15 oz each)
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups cream or half and half
- 1 - 2 tablespoons dry sherry, optional
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- pinch nutmeg
- - salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- - paprika
How To Make creamed parmesan pearl onion casserole
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Step 1Open the jars and drain onions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. -
Step 2Melt butter in a 2-quart saucepan or saute pan over medium heat. Turn the heat to low and stir in the flour. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. You must cook a little to avoid a raw flour flavor.
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Step 3Stir in cream (or half and half). Whisk until smooth.
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Step 4Whisk in sherry if you are using it.
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Step 5Stir in Parmesan, mustard powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
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Step 6Stir well to thoroughly combine ingredients and melt the cheese.
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Step 7Grease a small oven baking dish (or spray with nonstick cooking spray). Put the drained onions into the baking dish.
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Step 8Then cover onions with the white sauce mixture.
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Step 9Sprinkle with cheddar cheese over top. Then sprinkle paprika over top.
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Step 10Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes, until mixture is bubbly and hot. If desired, broil the top briefly until golden brown.
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