Cheesy Baked Vidalia Onions

$- 4 large Vidalia onions - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for garnish) You can swap cheeses if you like. For a milder flavor, use Monterey Jack or Gouda. If you want a bolder taste, try blue cheese or feta. For gluten-free options, use crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These choices still give great taste. When picking Vidalia onions, look for ones that feel firm. They should have a smooth skin with no spots or soft areas. Check for strong, sweet aroma. The best time to buy fresh Vidalia onions is from late spring to early summer. This is when they are in season and taste their best. 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the onions evenly. 2. Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil. This keeps the onions from sticking. 3. Take your large Vidalia onions. Cut off the tops carefully. 4. Scoop out the insides using a spoon. Leave about half an inch of onion on the sides. 5. Save the onion flesh for the cheese filling. 1. In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients: - 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese - 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese - The reserved onion flesh from earlier - 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh chives - 1 teaspoon of garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste 2. Mix everything until it’s well blended. This creates a creamy and tasty filling. 1. Stuff each hollowed onion with the cheese mixture. Press it down slightly to pack it tightly. 2. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of paprika. 3. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mix over the stuffed onions. This gives a crispy topping when baked. 4. Place the stuffed onions upright in the greased baking dish. 5. Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. This keeps the moisture inside. 6. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You want the tops golden brown and the onions tender. 7. After baking, let the onions sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps them hold their shape. To boost the taste, try adding some herbs. Fresh thyme and rosemary work well. You can also mix in spices like cayenne pepper for heat or paprika for smokiness. Different cheeses can change the flavor too. Use Gruyère for a nutty taste or feta for a briny twist. Sharp cheddar gives a robust flavor, while cream cheese adds creaminess. For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely. A pinch of paprika adds color and extra flavor. Bake the onions covered first, then uncover for the last part. This keeps them tender while letting the tops crisp up. Aim for soft onions but not mushy. Serve each cheesy baked onion on a small plate. This makes it look fancy. A sprinkle of fresh chives adds color and flavor. Drizzle some balsamic reduction around the plate for a touch of elegance. It makes the dish pop visually and tastes great too. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese filling for a new twist. Try adding spinach or mushrooms for more flavor. You can also use different kinds of cheese. Feta cheese brings a tangy taste. Goat cheese adds creaminess. Mix in some roasted red peppers for a sweeter note. You can go wild with flavors. Just stay true to your taste! Let’s spice things up! Add jalapeños or crushed red pepper for heat. You can also sprinkle in smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. If you want something sweet, toss in some caramelized onions. They balance well with the cheese. You can even try adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs add depth to each bite. These cheesy baked onions shine as a main dish. Pair them with a fresh salad or a hearty soup. They also work great as a side dish. Serve them alongside grilled meats or roasted veggies. For drinks, a light white wine complements the flavors well. You can also enjoy them with a crisp iced tea. Each pairing brings out the best in the onions! To store leftover cheesy baked Vidalia onions, first let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them within two hours of baking. The onions will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Wrap each onion in plastic wrap, then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the onions in a baking dish and cover with foil. This keeps them moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may make the onions soggy. Use a low power setting and check often. Understanding when to discard your leftovers is important. If the onions have been in the fridge for more than three days, it's best to throw them out. Watch for any off smells or changes in color. If you freeze them, mark the date on the container. After three months, they may lose taste and texture. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to food safety. Cheesy baked Vidalia onions take about 50 minutes to cook. This includes 15 minutes for prep and 35 minutes for baking. Here’s the breakdown: - Prep Time: 15 minutes - Baking Time: 25 minutes covered, 10-15 minutes uncovered Yes, you can make cheesy baked Vidalia onions ahead of time. Prepare the onions and fill them with the cheese mixture. Once assembled, cover with foil and store them in the fridge. Bake them the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold. Cheesy baked Vidalia onions pair well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - A fresh green salad with vinaigrette - Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts - Grilled chicken or fish for added protein - Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavors These options make your meal complete and delicious! Cheesy baked Vidalia onions are a tasty dish full of flavor. We covered the ingredients needed and how to choose fresh onions. I shared tips for preparing, stuffing, and baking them perfectly. We explored variations and storage tips, ensuring your dish remains delicious. Finally, I answered common questions to make your cooking easier. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and enjoy every delicious bite!$

Discover the deliciousness of cheesy baked Vidalia onions with this easy recipe! These creamy, cheesy treats make a perfect side dish or appetizer that will impress your guests. Learn how to hollow out Vidalia onions and stuff them with a savory blend of cheeses and spices. Ready in just 50 minutes, these baked onions promise a delightful burst of flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!

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Ingredients

4 large Vidalia onions

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.

Carefully slice off the tops of the Vidalia onions and scoop out the insides, creating a hollow space while leaving about 1/2 inch of onion on the sides. Reserve the onion flesh for later use.

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add the reserved onion flesh, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.

Stuff each hollowed onion with the cheese mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure it’s packed tightly.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of paprika. Sprinkle this mixture over the stuffed onions for a crispy topping.

Place the stuffed onions upright in the prepared baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the onions are tender.

Once done, remove from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve each stuffed onion on a small plate, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chives and a light drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant touch.