Cheesy Farro and Onion Bake

A hand holding a serving spoon filled with farro and onion casserole.

5 from 1 vote

This Cheesy Farro and Onion Bake is quick and easy to assemble, and then the oven does the rest! The flavor and texture of this ancient grain casserole is rich, delicious, and hearty, and it can easily withstand the test of time!

Prep Time10

Cook Time50

Total Time1 5

Course: grains, hot side dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean inspired

Keyword: baked farro casserole, Cheesy farro and Onion Bake, farro and onion casserole

Servings: servings

Calories: 426kcal

Author: Renee Goerger

Equipment

Ingredients

4 tablespoons butter I always use salted
2 large sweet onions thinly sliced
3 tablespoons brandy
2 cups farro
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon coarse salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 small bay leaves
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Plus a hunk of the rind, optional
1 ½ cups grated Gruyere cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup French fried onions

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Instructions

-Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (205 degrees C).
-Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven over medium/high heat. Add in the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened but not browned (approximately 5 minutes).
-Stir in the brandy and cook until evaporated. *IMPORTANT - Remove the pan from the heat before adding the brandy. Once it's added, you can return it to the flame.
-Add the farro, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir until the farro is completely incorporated and coated. About 2 minutes.
-Stir in the chicken broth and bay leaves. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer over low heat for approximately 7-10 minutes.
-Remove bay leaves. Pour the mixture into a 1 ½ quart casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
-Cover with foil and place in a preheated oven for about 40 minutes until the farro is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
-Remove from the oven and evenly sprinkle the Gruyere cheese and French fried onions over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and cook for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-Sprinkle the top with the chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Important note - To avoid a fire, turn the flame OFF under the skillet when adding the alcohol to the pan. Once added, it is safe to turn the flame back on and continue with the recipe.

Nutrition