This baked Vidalia onion recipe highlights the sweet, mild flavor of Vidalia onions, making it a delightful side dish or appetizer. The onions are baked until tender and caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, allowing the onion’s flavor to shine. You can easily customize it with cheese, herbs, or breadcrumbs for added texture and taste.
Understanding Vidalia Onions
Vidalia onions are renowned for their sweet and mild flavor, making them a favorite in various dishes.
These onions are grown in specific regions of Georgia, where the unique soil and climate contribute to their distinctive taste.
Their natural sweetness intensifies when baked, creating a delightful side dish that pairs well with many meals.
Preparation Steps
Preparing Vidalia onions for baking is a straightforward process.
Start by peeling the onions and cutting off the tops to create a small cavity.
This step is essential as it allows for the addition of butter and seasonings, enhancing the flavor profile as they bake.
Once the onions are prepared, they can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
These simple ingredients complement the onion’s natural sweetness, making each bite a burst of flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Baking Vidalia onions requires careful attention to time and temperature.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking.
Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during the initial baking phase helps the onions steam, resulting in a tender texture.
After about 30 minutes, the foil can be removed to allow the tops to caramelize.
If desired, cheese can be added at this stage for an extra layer of richness.
Baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly topping.
Serving Suggestions
Once baked, these onions can be served warm, garnished with fresh herbs for an added touch of color and flavor.
They make an excellent side dish for grilled meats or can be enjoyed on their own as a comforting appetizer.
The rustic presentation in a baking dish adds to the homey feel, making it a perfect dish for gatherings or family dinners.
Nutrition and Portioning
Each serving of baked Vidalia onion provides a satisfying experience with approximately 150 calories.
With a balance of carbohydrates and fats, this dish can fit into various dietary preferences.
It’s a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into your meal while enjoying a comforting and flavorful dish.
Customization Options
One of the appealing aspects of baked Vidalia onions is their versatility.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
Herbs such as thyme or rosemary can also be used to enhance the flavor, allowing you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
Simple Baked Vidalia Onion Recipe
This dish features whole Vidalia onions baked until soft and sweet, typically taking about 45 minutes to prepare and cook. It serves as a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
- 4 large Vidalia onions
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Onions: Peel the Vidalia onions and cut off the tops, creating a small cavity in each onion.
- Season the Onions: Place the onions in a baking dish and add 1 tablespoon of butter into each cavity. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese: If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle cheese on top of each onion, and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g