Holiday Onions
Holiday Onions feature tender onions glazed with a sweet and savory sauce, topped with toasted bread crumbs, perfect as a festive side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onions until almost tender.
- Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a skillet.
- Add sugar and cook until dissolved.
- Add onions a few at a time, brown lightly, turning to glaze evenly.
- Remove onions to a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons butter and blend in flour.
- Cook until it bubbles, then remove from heat.
- Stir in chicken broth and milk, add salt and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Pour sauce over the onions in the casserole dish.
- In the skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter and add bread crumbs.
- Brown bread crumbs lightly.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs over the onions.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and olive oil when browning the onions. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use margarine instead of butter. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra depth. If you find small onions hard to peel, soak them in warm water for a few minutes to make peeling easier.
Serving Suggestions
These Holiday Onions make a delightful side dish, especially alongside roasted chicken or turkey. They pair beautifully with Toasted Herb Rice or can be served as part of a festive spread during holiday gatherings. For a complete meal, consider serving them with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Holiday Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick reheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Onions contains roughly 549 calories, with 11g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (56% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1424mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen pearl onions for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. Keep in mind that frozen onions may release more moisture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired tenderness.
What can I substitute for bread crumbs?
If you don't have bread crumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or panko for a different texture. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or oats can also work well, providing a unique crunch on top of the onions. Just ensure they are seasoned for the best flavor.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To prepare ahead, complete the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate the assembled casserole for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).