Baked Vidalia Sweet Onions with Cheesy Topping

Vidalia sweet onions are a Southern staple known for their mild, sweet flavor. This Baked Vidalia Sweet Onions with Cheesy Topping recipe takes that natural sweetness and enhances it with melted butter, a mix of flavorful seasonings, and a blend of cheeses that melt perfectly into a golden, bubbling layer. This dish makes for a great side or even a standalone comfort dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. If you love cheesy, savory bakes, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is all about simplicity and bold flavors. The natural sweetness of Vidalia onions is complemented by rich butter and savory herbs, while the cheesy topping adds a deliciously gooey texture that everyone will love. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients

3-4 Vidalia sweet onions

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon oregano
1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded

½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

What is an Italian Blend Cheese?

An Italian cheese blend typically includes a mix of two or more types of cheeses. Most commonly, you’ll find Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone in these blends. They work together to create a balanced flavor, with the mozzarella providing creaminess, the parmesan adding sharpness, and the other cheeses offering their unique savory notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish will cook evenly once it goes into the oven.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the onions and cheese from sticking to the dish during the baking process and make cleanup easier.

Step 3: Prepare the Onions

Clean and peel the Vidalia sweet onions.
Slice the onions into ¼-inch thick rounds. Try to keep the rings together and intact; do not separate the onion rings into individual pieces. This method ensures that the onions maintain their shape and structure during baking, which makes for a more visually appealing and flavorful dish.

Step 4: Arrange the Onions

Evenly spread the onion rounds across the base of the prepared baking dish.
You want to layer the onions so that they cover the bottom of the dish but don’t overlap too much. This will ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.

Step 5: Season the Onions

Sprinkle the onions with:

1 teaspoon of salt (you can adjust this to taste)
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
½ teaspoon of oregano

These seasonings will enhance the natural sweetness of the Vidalia onions and add a savory, slightly herbaceous note to the dish.

Step 6: Add the Butter

Cut 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter into roughly eight equal portions. Scatter these butter pats evenly over the onions. As the butter melts in the oven, it will soak into the onions, adding richness and helping the cheese melt beautifully.

Step 7: Top with Cheeses

Now comes the fun part—the cheese! Evenly sprinkle:

1 cup of Italian blend cheese
1 cup of cheddar cheese

Make sure the cheeses cover the onions thoroughly. Finally, finish the dish by sprinkling ½ cup of Parmesan cheese on top. This will add a bit of sharpness and help create that golden-brown crust when baked.

Step 8: Bake the Dish

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown on top. The onions should be tender but still hold their shape, while the cheese creates a decadent crust.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This will allow the cheese to set a bit, making it easier to serve. For the best flavor, serve the onions warm, fresh out of the oven.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Onions: Vidalia onions are the best option for this recipe because of their natural sweetness. If you can’t find Vidalia onions, you can use another type of sweet onion, but the flavor may differ slightly.
Don’t Overlap the Onion Rounds: For even cooking and the best texture, make sure the onion rounds are spread in a single layer in the baking dish.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. If possible, grate your own cheese for the best results.
Add a Crunchy Topping: For an added crunch, consider topping the dish with a small amount of bread crumbs or panko during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will create a crispy, golden topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese and tender onions.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to give the dish a bit of heat.
Bacon Lover’s Twist: Crumble cooked bacon on top of the onions before adding the cheese for a smoky, savory addition.
Herbed Cheese Delight: For an extra herbaceous flavor, add some fresh chopped parsley or basil just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

While Vidalia onions are preferred due to their natural sweetness, you can use other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui onions. Regular yellow onions can be used in a pinch, but they won’t have the same sweetness.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the point before baking, then cover it and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it as instructed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to this dish to make it heartier. Just ensure that any added vegetables are sliced thinly so they cook evenly with the onions.

5. Is there a low-fat version of this recipe?

To make a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cheese or use a low-fat cheese blend. Additionally, you can substitute part of the butter with olive oil to cut down on saturated fat.

This Baked Vidalia Sweet Onions with Cheesy Topping is the perfect comfort food for cheese and onion lovers. It’s a simple recipe packed with flavor and versatility—serve it as a side dish, or even enjoy it on its own!