A rich, savory, and indulgent dish featuring tender onions stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling—perfect for a comforting side or a hearty vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
For the Onions:
4 large sweet onions (like Vidalia or Walla Walla)
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
For the Filling:
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Topping:
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
Prepare the Onions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Peel the onions and cut off the tops and bottoms so they sit flat.
Use a melon baller or spoon to carefully hollow out the centers, leaving about ½-inch thick shells. Chop the scooped-out onion and set aside.
Sauté the Onion Filling:
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
Add broth and simmer for another 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Make the Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, mix cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, sour cream, bacon (if using), chives, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and the sautéed onions. Season with salt & pepper.
Stuff the Onions:
Place the hollowed onions in a baking dish. Spoon the cheese mixture into each onion, packing it in tightly.
Add the Topping:
Mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and thyme. Sprinkle over the stuffed onions.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve:
Garnish with extra chives and serve warm.
Tips:
For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
If onions are unstable, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to help them sit flat.
Enjoy this decadent, cheesy stuffed onion casserole as a show-stopping side dish or a satisfying main course!
Enjoy!