There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet, caramelized onions with the sharp, nutty flavor of Asiago cheese, and that’s exactly what makes this Asiago Roasted Onions Recipe a beloved kitchen treasure. Roasting the onions brings out their natural sweetness while the creamy, cheesy sauce adds luxurious depth and warmth. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests with a simple but stunning side dish, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish thrives on simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the foundational yellow onions to the creamy richness of heavy cream and the sharp tang of Asiago cheese. Together, they create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feel both cozy and indulgent.
- Yellow onions (2 pounds): Choose firm, fresh onions for the best natural sweetness and texture after roasting.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle enhances roasting and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Fresh thyme (1/2 teaspoon, chopped): Adds a touch of earthy, herbal brightness that complements the onions beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the onion’s layers of flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a luscious sauce that coats the onions perfectly.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): A little kick of tanginess to balance the creaminess.
- Asiago cheese (1/2 cup, grated): The star ingredient, providing nutty complexity and melty goodness.
How to Make Asiago Roasted Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Onions
Start by **preheating your oven to 450F (230C)**, because a hot oven is key to getting that perfect caramelization. Lay the peeled and sliced onions in a single layer on a greased baking dish. Drizzle generously with olive oil and scatter chopped thyme over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Roast these for about 20 minutes—the edges will start to turn golden and the onions will soften, releasing their natural sugars into the pan.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Asiago Sauce
While the onions roast, gently heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Stir in the Dijon mustard—it brightens up the sauce—then add half of the grated Asiago cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. This luscious sauce is what elevates the roasted onions from simple to sensational.
Step 3: Combine and Finish Baking
Carefully pour the creamy Asiago mixture over the roasting onions, making sure each slice is bathed in the sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for an extra gooey finish. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to keep the steam in and bake for another 20 minutes. When you remove the foil, the onions will be tender, the cheese melted, and the edges bubbling—pure comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Asiago Roasted Onions Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh touch, try sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top just before serving. It adds a pop of green color and an herbaceous brightness that cuts through the creamy richness perfectly. A few crushed red pepper flakes also bring a welcome hint of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs fantastically with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, as the sweet and savory notes complement robust proteins beautifully. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to balance the richness and add freshness to your meal plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Asiago roasted onions as a topping on toasted baguette slices or as a filling inside puff pastry for an irresistible appetizer. You can also mix them into grain bowls or pasta dishes to add layers of flavor and a wonderful creamy texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and trust me, you might!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the reheated dish even more comforting.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well for up to one month. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Because of the cream and cheese, the texture upon thawing might be slightly different but still delicious when reheated gently.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350F (175C), covered in foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too, but the oven method preserves the creamy texture best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Asiago is the star of this recipe for its nutty flavor, you can substitute Parmesan or Gruyere if you prefer. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What kind of onions work best?
Yellow onions provide the perfect balance of sweetness and firmness for roasting. Sweet onions like Vidalia can be used too if you want an extra gentle sweetness, but avoid very pungent varieties.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or meat-based products. Just double-check your cheese to ensure it does not contain animal rennet if you’re strictly vegetarian.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ. The creamy sauce is central to the experience, so pick the best-quality substitutes you can find.
How can I add more herbs or spices?
Feel free to experiment by adding rosemary, sage, or even smoked paprika for a twist. Just a little extra seasoning can add wonderful dimension to the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Asiago Roasted Onions Recipe is a simple yet spectacular way to bring extraordinary flavor to your table. It’s comforting, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without being complicated or time-consuming. If you love dishes that feel like a warm hug on a plate, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find yourself making it over and over again.
Print
Asiago Roasted Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Asiago Roasted Onions are a flavorful side dish featuring tender, caramelized yellow onions roasted with thyme and topped with a rich, creamy Asiago cheese sauce. Perfectly seasoned and baked to bubbling perfection, this dish combines savory herbs, creamy Dijon mustard sauce, and sharp Asiago cheese for an irresistibly delicious complement to any meal.
Ingredients
Onions and Seasoning
- 2 pounds yellow onions (about 4 medium or 2 large), peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch slices
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, grated, divided
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast Onions: Place the sliced onions in a single layer at the bottom of a greased baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle with chopped thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Roast the onions in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize.
- Make the Cream Sauce: While the onions roast, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Stir in the Dijon mustard and half of the grated Asiago cheese. Continue cooking gently until the cheese melts completely into the cream, forming a smooth sauce.
- Bake Onions with Cheese Sauce: Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the roasted onions in the baking dish. Then sprinkle the remaining grated Asiago cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and return to the oven to bake for an additional 20 minutes. The onions should be tender, and the cheese sauce bubbly and melted when done.
Notes
- For best results, slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute Asiago cheese with Parmesan for a similar flavor profile.
- Adjust thyme and seasoning according to personal preference.
- Serve warm as a side to poultry, beef, or vegetarian main dishes.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently in the oven.
