Pearl Onion Gratin
Pearl Onion Gratin is a classic French-inspired side dish featuring small, sweet pearl onions baked in a rich, creamy sauce until tender and golden. Typically made with pearl onions, heavy cream, Gruyère or Parmesan cheese, and butter, it's a staple of bistro cuisine and holiday feasts. The dish hails from the culinary traditions of France, particularly Burgundy.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in fat and carbohydrates, with a moderate amount of protein from the cheese and cream. It provides calcium and vitamin C from the onions, and a typical serving contains roughly 250-350 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 185 kcal |
| Protein | 6.5 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
| Potassium | 210 mg |
| Vitamin A | 45 mcg RAE |
| Phosphorus | 120 mg |
| Vitamin K | 10 mcg |
| Folate | 25 mcg DFE |
Per 1 cup (220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a beloved 'comfort food' that transforms humble onions into a luxurious dish, often served alongside roasts. Nutritionally, the slow baking caramelizes the onions' natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness without added sugar.
