Asiago Creamy Baked Onions are one of those unexpectedly delicious side dishes I always find myself coming back to. Tender roasted onion rounds are smothered in a velvety, mustard-kissed cream sauce and topped with nutty Asiago cheese. It’s rich, savory, and perfectly comforting—ideal for pairing with roasted meats, holiday spreads, or even as a vegetarian main when I want something cozy and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe takes simple onions and transforms them into something elegant and crave-worthy. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, while the creamy Asiago sauce gives every bite richness and depth. It’s an easy recipe with minimal prep, yet it feels special enough for a dinner party. And the bubbling cheese on top? That’s the kind of golden finish I live for.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, grated
Directions
- Preheat & Prep
I preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C), grease a baking dish, and arrange the onion slices in a single, even layer. - Roast the Onions
I drizzle the onions with olive oil, then sprinkle them with thyme, salt, and pepper. I roast them for 20 minutes until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize. - Make the Cream Sauce
While the onions roast, I heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Then I stir in the Dijon mustard and half of the Asiago cheese, letting it melt into a smooth sauce. - Assemble the Dish
Once the onions are roasted, I pour the creamy mixture over them and top with the remaining Asiago cheese. - Bake Again
I cover the dish with foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the onions are tender and the sauce is bubbling and cheesy.
Servings and timing
This dish serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and the total cook time is 40 minutes—20 minutes for roasting and another 20 minutes for baking in the sauce.
Variations
- Swap the cheese: I’ve used Gruyère or Fontina in place of Asiago for a different flavor profile.
- Add breadcrumbs: For a little crunch, I sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before the final bake.
- Mix in veggies: I sometimes layer in sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra texture.
- Use red onions: They give the dish a slightly sweeter and deeper flavor.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place the onions in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through. For a quicker option, I microwave them in 30-second bursts, but the oven keeps the texture and flavor better.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare and assemble the dish ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What does Asiago cheese taste like?
Asiago has a nutty, slightly sharp flavor—somewhere between Parmesan and cheddar. It melts beautifully and adds depth to creamy dishes like this one.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
I don’t recommend it. The cream is what makes the sauce rich and prevents it from separating during baking.
How do I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
It already is! Just double-check the Dijon mustard and cheese if I’m strictly avoiding animal-based rennet.
Conclusion
Asiago Creamy Baked Onions are a side dish that always surprises me with how good they are. Sweet, tender onions wrapped in a decadent, cheesy cream sauce—it’s the kind of comfort food I reach for when I want something simple but indulgent. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this bake brings elegance and warmth to the table.
PrintAsiago Creamy Baked Onions
Asiago Creamy Baked Onions are a rich, comforting side dish made with sweet roasted onions, creamy Dijon-infused sauce, and nutty Asiago cheese. This easy yet elegant recipe is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or pairing with roasted meats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large yellow onions, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup Asiago cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease a baking dish and arrange onion slices in a single, even layer.
- Roast the Onions: Drizzle onions with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the cream to a simmer. Stir in Dijon mustard and half the Asiago cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the cream sauce over the roasted onions. Top with the remaining Asiago cheese.
- Bake Again: Cover with foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Notes
- Swap Asiago with Gruyère or Fontina for a different cheesy profile.
- Add toasted breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Layer in mushrooms or roasted peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Red onions can be used for a slightly sweeter variation.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking—just extend the bake time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg