This savory pear and red onion gratin recipe is perfectly suited to a cozy supper in on a chilly night. Caramelized red onions provide an intense sweetness with just the right amount of sharpness to offset the fresh flavor of the pears. That combination mixed with aromatic thyme and an unexpected cheesy topping makes for a heavenly side dish.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour, 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients:
- Gratin:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large red onion, thickly sliced
- 3 large Bosc pears
- 1 1/4 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Topping:
- 1 cup dried breadcrumbs (thick Panko are best)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Preparation:
How to make pear and red onion gratin:
Preheat the oven to 400F.
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, sauté the red onions until they start to brown around the edges. Transfer them into a casserole dish and set it aside for a moment.
Core the pears and cut them into thick wedges. Toss the pears with the reserved onions, thyme, salt and pepper. Bake the gratin, covered, for 25 to 30 minutes.
Stir together the breadcrumbs, cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the topping over the pear onion gratin and bake it, uncovered, for an additional 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling hot and tender.
This pear and red onion gratin recipe makes 6 to 8 servings.
