Baked Stuffed Onions with Parmesan Cream Recipe
This Baked Stuffed Onions recipe features tender onions simmered until just soft, then filled with a savory mixture of garlic, ham, parsley, and breadcrumbs. Topped with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce and baked to golden perfection, this dish makes a comforting and elegant side or light main course. The subtle sweetness of the onions pairs beautifully with the savory stuffing and creamy topping, resulting in a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 medium white onions
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 2 tablespoons ham, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons continental parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 150 mL thick cream
Instructions
- Simmer Onions: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a simmer on the stovetop. Meanwhile, peel the onions and remove their roots while keeping them whole. Insert a wooden toothpick through each side of the onion to hold it together during cooking.
- Cook Onions: Place the onions in the simmering water and cook for about 30 minutes or until they are just tender. Reserve ½ cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the onions in a colander. Leave them to cool until easy to handle.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to prepare for baking later.
- Prepare Onions for Stuffing: Cut the cooled onions in half and remove the toothpicks. Gently scoop out the inner hearts of the onions and set them aside for the stuffing mixture.
- Stuff Onion Mixture: Lightly oil a baking dish and arrange the onion halves cut side up. Finely chop the reserved onion hearts and combine them in a medium bowl with crushed garlic, diced ham, chopped parsley, dry breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Fill Onions: Generously stuff each onion half with the prepared mixture, piling it high to ensure they are fully filled.
- Prepare Parmesan Cream: In a small bowl, blend the grated Parmesan cheese with thick cream until smooth. Spoon this creamy mixture evenly over the stuffed onions.
- Bake: Pour the reserved onion cooking liquid at the base of the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the tops are golden and bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Using wooden toothpicks helps keep the onions intact during simmering and makes handling easier.
- Reserve the cooking liquid to keep the stuffed onions moist and add flavor during baking.
- You can substitute the ham with cooked bacon or mushrooms for a different flavor or vegetarian option.
- Make sure to pile the stuffing high for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Serve as a side dish or a light main course with a fresh salad.
