Scalloped Onions, Leeks And Shallots
A comforting side dish featuring tender onions, leeks, and shallots baked with cheese, bread crumbs, and paprika, perfect for hearty family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. onions, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices ⓘ
- 2 lb. leeks, white and pale green parts, split lengthwise, washed well, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shallots, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices ⓘ
- 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup heavy cream ⓘ
- 1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 cup grated extra sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- In a heavy kettle, cook the onions, leeks, and shallots in the butter with salt and pepper to taste, covered, over moderate heat, stirring occasionally for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to moderately low and cook vegetables, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 20 minutes more or until soft.
- Remove lid and cook mixture over moderate heat, stirring for 3 to 5 minutes more or until excess liquid is evaporated.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or fresh thyme to the vegetables while cooking. If you don’t have heavy cream, a mixture of milk and cream cheese can be a good substitute. Ensure you slice the onions evenly for consistent cooking. To add a crunch, mix in some toasted nuts or seeds with the bread crumbs.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a hearty side for a vegetarian meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or with crusty bread for a complete meal. For an elegant touch, accompany it with a glass of white wine and browse more American recipes for a well-rounded dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scalloped Onions, Leeks And Shallots contains roughly 1331 calories, with 29g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 105g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (234% of the Daily Value), iron (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1080mg per serving (47% 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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onion, leek, and shallot mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply follow the remaining steps and bake. This can save time and enhance the flavors as they meld together.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute the extra sharp Cheddar with Gruyère or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Each cheese will give a unique twist to the dish, so feel free to experiment.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products. It's a great side dish for any vegetarian meal. To make it vegan, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based cream alternative.
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).