Spanish Onions(Encasserole With Almonds)
A savory casserole featuring tender Spanish onions in a rich almond sauce, topped with cheesy bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Parboil onions in a small amount of water, then drain well.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Blend in flour.
- Add chicken broth and light cream, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and smooth.
- Combine the sauce with the onions and sliced almonds.
- Add salt and pepper, then pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Place the casserole in a water bath and bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Just before serving, sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese mixed with bread crumbs over the top.
- Brown the top under the broiler until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. If you don’t have blanched almonds, you can use toasted slivered almonds instead. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will work well for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
This Spanish Onions casserole pairs beautifully with grilled meats or a simple green salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Polish Sausage Supper or a light soup like Vichyssoise Or Leek-Potato Soup. It also makes a great side dish for a holiday gathering or family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat to maintain the texture of the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Onions(Encasserole With Almonds) contains roughly 271 calories, with 10g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), protein (20% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1022mg per serving (44% 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 regular onions instead of Spanish onions?
Yes, regular onions can be used in place of Spanish onions, but they may impart a slightly different flavor. Spanish onions are sweeter and milder, so if you use regular onions, you might want to cook them a bit longer to soften their sharpness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or adjust the baking time accordingly if baking straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using plant-based butter, almond or soy milk in place of light cream, and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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).