Creamed Onions Recipe by Ina Garten That’s Silky and Smooth

Creamed onions dance across your plate with a luxurious, velvety embrace that transforms humble vegetables into pure culinary poetry.

These elegant alliums melt into a silky sauce that whispers sophistication with every spoonful.

Golden and white varieties offer subtle sweet nuances that elevate hearty meals to extraordinary heights.

Generations of home cooks have cherished this timeless side dish, passing down its delicate magic through family recipes.

Each pearl-like onion absorbs rich flavors, creating a sensory experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Simple yet remarkable, this dish bridges comfort and elegance with remarkable grace.

Check out a recipe that promises to turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable celebration of flavor.

Steps for Cooking Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Fire Up the Oven and Prep Your Dish

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Transform Onions into Flavor Bombs

Slice onions into hearty wedges, peeling away their papery outer layer to reveal the juicy goodness inside.

• Unleash Caramelization Magic

In a heavy pot, melt butter and let onions dance slowly over medium heat. Stir occasionally, watching them turn golden and meltingly soft. Splash in some sherry and let it vanish into delicious depth.

• Craft a Creamy Cheese Symphony

In the same pot, whip up a velvety sauce by melting butter, dusting with flour, and gradually whisking in warm milk. Let it thicken into a luxurious blanket. Pull from heat and fold in Parmesan, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Marry the caramelized onions with the cheese sauce in your prepared dish. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and shower them across the top. Slide into the oven and bake until the surface turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement, about 30 minutes.

Smart Tweaks for Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Elevate Onion Gratin Flavor: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or fontina for unique taste profiles.
• Customize Breadcrumb Crunch: Mix panko with herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add grated Parmesan to the topping for extra depth and texture.
• Smart Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare caramelized onions and cheese sauce a day in advance, refrigerate separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for convenient entertaining.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Serve Ina Garten Creamed Onions Neatly

• Serve with Crusty Companions: Pair this luxurious onion gratin with thick slices of rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
• Pair with Protein Perfection: Complement the dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared fish for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Create a Seasonal Spread: Showcase this gratin alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the dish's decadent flavors.
• Wine Wonderland: Enhance the experience by serving a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir that will beautifully match the caramelized onions and creamy cheese sauce.

Storage Strategy for Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Maximize Meal Prep: Plan ahead by making the caramelized onion base and cheese sauce up to two days before final assembly. Store covered in the refrigerator to save time.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. The dish maintains best texture when reheated gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Future Comfort: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers and store up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and prevent separation.
• Portion and Protect: Divide into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight side dishes. Use glass containers with tight-sealing lids to maintain freshness and prevent flavor transfer in the refrigerator.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 306 kcal

Servings: 5

Ina Garten Creamed Onions Ingredient Rundown

• Onions: Choose firm, heavy bulbs with tight, dry skins and no soft spots.
• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter for richer flavor.
• Sherry: Pick a dry, medium-quality sherry that complements onion sweetness.

• Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for smooth, consistent texture.
• Milk: Select whole milk for creamy, rich sauce development.
• Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated, aged cheese with robust, nutty profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for enhanced taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Choose light, airy Japanese-style breadcrumbs for ultimate crispness.
• Butter: Use same high-quality butter to coat breadcrumbs evenly.

Tools to Use for Ina Garten Creamed Onions

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for slow cooking and sauce preparation.
• Gratin dish: Shallow baking dish ideal for creating a crispy, golden top.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing onions safely.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise onion cutting.
• Whisk: Helps create smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Cheese grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.

Elegant Ina Garten Creamed Onions Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s creamed onions deliver a luxurious side dish with rich, silky texture. Gentle pearl onions swim in a creamy sauce, complementing holiday meals with classic comfort and elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) sweet onions (Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onions)
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, scalded
• 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (60 g) panko crumbs
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) cream sherry
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Onions: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, melt butter and slowly transform onion wedges into soft, sweet, amber-colored delicacies by stirring occasionally for 40 minutes, releasing their natural sugars and developing deep, rich flavor.
2. Deglaze and Create Roux: Splash sherry into the onion pan, allowing it to evaporate, then create a smooth roux by adding flour to melted butter and cooking for one minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
3. Craft Velvety Sauce: Gradually whisk scalded milk into the roux, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and incorporate Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to elevate the sauce’s complexity.
4. Assemble Gratin: Gently fold caramelized onions into the creamy cheese sauce, then transfer to a buttered gratin dish. Toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter to create a crisp, golden topping and sprinkle evenly over the mixture.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place the gratin in a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 30 minutes, ensuring the top turns a beautiful golden brown with bubbly, crisp edges that promise a delectable, comforting side dish.

Notes

• Master Caramelization: Slow-cook onions for 40 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally to develop deep, sweet amber color without burning.
• Roux Technique: Cook flour in butter for exactly one minute to eliminate raw taste and create a silky smooth base for the creamy cheese sauce.
• Deglazing Flavor Boost: Use sherry to intensify taste by simmering and completely evaporating the liquid, concentrating the onions’ natural sweetness.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Melt butter into panko breadcrumbs for a perfectly golden, crunchy layer that adds textural contrast to the creamy onion dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 306
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg