Description
Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Onions deliver a savory symphony of hearty flavors from classic American comfort cuisine. Melted cheese and crispy bacon nestled inside caramelized onion shells create an irresistible side dish that promises to delight your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 medium Vidalia onions (white or yellow, about 9–10 ounces/255–285 grams each)
- 3 slices bacon
- 1 ¼ cups (300 milliliters) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Vegetable Ingredients:
- 1 packed cup (240 milliliters) fresh baby spinach (stacked and thinly cut)
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) chopped roasted onion
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
- olive oil
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F (204°C). Select medium-sized whole onions with sturdy outer layers, ensuring roots remain attached for structural integrity.
- Gently massage each onion with extra virgin olive oil, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Completely encase each onion in aluminum foil.
- Position onions vertically on a rimmed baking sheet, then roast for approximately 40 minutes until softened. Allow onions to cool until comfortable to handle.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C). Arrange bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet, cooking until crisp and golden, roughly 15 minutes. Transfer bacon to paper towels to absorb excess grease, then finely dice.
- Increase oven temperature back to 400°F (204°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine crispy bacon pieces, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh spinach leaves, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully excavate the onion’s interior, maintaining outer shell structure. Gently remove inner layers to create a hollowed vessel.
- Finely chop of the extracted onion flesh and fold into the cheese and bacon mixture.
- Densely pack the filling into each onion cavity, ensuring a compact and even distribution.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling surface.
Notes
- Carefully select sweet onions with firm, symmetrical shapes for easier hollowing and stuffing.
- Crisp bacon beforehand to enhance its texture and concentrate flavor before mixing into the filling.
- Drain excess bacon fat completely to prevent greasy filling and maintain clean, sharp taste profiles.
- Chop removed onion flesh finely to integrate seamlessly into cheese and bacon mixture, reducing waste.
- Consider using sharp cheddar for more intense flavor that complements the smoky bacon notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg