Savory Herb-Infused Baked Onions with Crispy Pancetta
This delightful recipe for Savory Herb-Infused Baked Onions, inspired by Jamie Oliver's original creation from 'Happy Days with the Naked Chef', is the perfect side dish to elevate any roast dinner. These tender baked onions are filled with a creamy, garlicky mixture and wrapped in crispy pancetta, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite. Ideal for impressing guests at gatherings and special occasions, this dish allows you to experiment with various cheeses to personalize the flavor profile. Plus, with a suggestion to use low-fat cream, you can enjoy this indulgent dish with a lighter touch. Give your palate a treat with these aromatic and decadent baked onions!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
White onions
4 (peeled, tennis-ball-sized)
Olive oil
to taste (for cooking)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled and finely chopped)
Fresh rosemary
4 (sprigs, lower leaves picked and chopped)
Heavy cream
8 (tablespoons)
Grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (for topping)
Sea salt
to taste
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste
Pancetta or bacon
4 (slices, for wrapping)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling the peeled onions in a large pot of salted water for 15 minutes or until they are slightly tender. This helps to soften them for baking.
2
Carefully remove the onions from the pot and allow them to cool until manageable. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3
Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice off the top inch of each onion and finely chop the removed part. Set this aside for later use.
4
Trim the bottom of each onion so they can sit flat on a roasting tray. Then, hollow out the center of each onion, ensuring you preserve the outer layer. This will create a space for the filling.
5
Finely chop the inside sections that were removed from the onions and combine them with the reserved chopped tops.
6
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, the chopped onion mixture, and a sprinkle of the fresh rosemary leaves. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
7
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, mixing well. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional minute before removing it from the heat.
8
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9
Take one slice of pancetta and wrap it around the middle of each onion, securing it with a skewer or a toothpick for stability.
10
Place the wrapped onions upright in a roasting tray, then carefully spoon the creamy onion mixture into each onion, filling them generously.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the onions are thoroughly soft and tender. Keep an eye on the cook time as it may vary depending on the size of the onions.
12
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses on top, as suggested by Jamie Oliver. When the onions are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and serve warm, allowing everyone to savor their rich flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Jamie Oliver's original creation from his book 'Happy Days with the Naked Chef'.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for four white onions that are roughly tennis-ball-sized.
How long do I need to boil the onions before baking?
Boil the peeled onions in salted water for 15 minutes or until they are slightly tender.
What is the purpose of boiling the onions first?
Boiling helps soften the onions so they bake through properly and become tender.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before baking the onions.
How do I prepare the onions for the filling?
Slice off the top inch of each onion, hollow out the center while preserving the outer layer, and trim the bottom so they sit flat.
What do I do with the parts of the onion I removed?
Finely chop the removed tops and the hollowed-out centers to use in the sautéed filling mixture.
How do I make the creamy filling?
Sauté the chopped onions with garlic and rosemary, then add heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese.
What herbs are used in this dish?
The recipe uses fresh rosemary sprigs, specifically the lower leaves which are picked and chopped.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped.
Can I make this dish lower in fat?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream for a lighter touch.
How much heavy cream is required?
The recipe specifies 8 tablespoons of heavy cream.
What cheese is recommended for the filling?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used in the filling, though you can experiment with other cheeses for the topping.
How do I wrap the onions in pancetta?
Take one slice of pancetta or bacon and wrap it around the middle of each onion.
How do I keep the pancetta from falling off?
Secure the pancetta slice with a skewer or a toothpick to provide stability while baking.
How long do the onions need to bake?
Bake the onions for approximately 25 minutes, or until they are thoroughly soft and tender.
Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either pancetta or bacon slices.
Is this a main course or a side dish?
This is primarily intended as a side dish, especially suitable for roast dinners.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can omit the pancetta or use a vegetarian-friendly bacon substitute.
How should I serve the baked onions?
Serve them warm immediately after removing them from the oven to enjoy the rich flavors.
What type of salt is recommended?
Sea salt is recommended to season the filling mixture to taste.
What if my onions are different sizes?
Keep an eye on the cook time, as larger or smaller onions may require more or less time to become tender.
Do I need to sauté the garlic?
Yes, sauté the minced garlic with the chopped onion mixture and rosemary until soft and fragrant.
How much olive oil is needed?
Use a drizzle of olive oil, enough to sauté the filling ingredients in a skillet.
Is the onion skin left on during baking?
No, the onions should be peeled before the boiling process begins.
When do I season the mixture with pepper?
Add freshly ground black pepper after stirring in the Parmesan cheese, just before filling the onions.
Can I prepare this for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for impressing guests at gatherings and special occasions.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features tender, soft onions with a creamy interior and crispy pancetta on the outside.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh rosemary?
While fresh rosemary is specified for the best aromatic flavor, you could use dried rosemary in a smaller quantity if fresh is unavailable.
Should the onions be placed in a specific way in the tray?
Place the wrapped onions upright in the roasting tray so the filling stays inside during baking.