If you're an onion lover, this one's for you. This dish is one that always receives compliments, even from people who claim they don't enjoy onions. It is a perfect accompaniment to any meat and has been gracing our holiday table for many, many years now. Cheesy and comforting. What more can you ask for?
Pre-heat oven to 350* In a large Dutch oven,in 3 T. butter and 2 T. olive oil, saute 7-8 large size sweet onions that have been cut into a medium dice. Add 1&1/2 t. salt, 1/2 t. black pepper, 1 T. garlic powder and a pinch of fresh ground nutmeg. Continue to saute approximately 10-15 minutes until onions are soft and semi-translucent. At this point, add 1 T. sugar and allow to melt and form a syrup in the sauteed onions. To thicken the sauce, add 2-3 T. all purpose flour and stir into the onion mixture. Cook for an additional few minutes and then remove from heat.
Grate 8 oz. Monterrey Jack and 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese. Add grated cheeses into the onion mixture and mix to combine thoroughly.Pour onion and cheese mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top entire mixture with 1 C. Panko crumbs and drizzle 1 T. melted butter over top. Bake for 35 minutes until cheese is bubbly around the sides and the panko crumbs are browned. So good and so comforting!!!
