Vidalia Onion Special

Sweet and tender Vidalia onions take center stage in this indulgent "Vidalia Onion Special," a show-stopping baked dish that combines elegant simplicity with rich, savory flavors. Perfectly hollowed onions are stuffed with a golden, herb-infused breadcrumb mixture featuring garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme. After being baked to caramelized perfection in a comforting bath of chicken broth and cream, these onions emerge soft, buttery, and beautifully browned. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish is versatile enough to be served as a luxurious side or a stunning, vegetarian-friendly entrée. Ideal for dinner parties or holiday gatherings, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions while incorporating textures and flavors that delight every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 large Vidalia onions
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Peel the Vidalia onions, leaving the root intact to keep the onions whole, and trim the ends slightly for even stability.

Step 3

Using a paring knife, carefully hollow out the center of each onion to create a cavity for stuffing. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the removed onion flesh, finely chop it, and set aside.

Step 4

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion flesh and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 5

Add the panko breadcrumbs, stirring to coat them evenly in the butter mixture. Cook for another 2 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Set this mixture aside.

Step 6

Place the hollowed Vidalia onions in a baking dish. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the onions and season them lightly with additional salt and pepper.

Step 7

Spoon the breadcrumb stuffing mixture into the cavity of each onion, packing it gently to fill completely.

Step 8

Pour the chicken broth into the base of the baking dish, and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 9

Bake the onions in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, drizzle the heavy cream over the onions, and dot each onion with the remaining butter.

Step 10

Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the onions are tender and lightly browned on top.

Step 11

Garnish the finished Vidalia Onion Special with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or alongside crusty bread for a satisfying entrée.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1415.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2001.1

Total Fat 147.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 74.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 332.9mg	0%
Sodium 3983.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 121.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.1g	0%
Total Sugars 44.3g
Protein 52.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1154.8mg	0%
Iron 5.4mg	0%
Potassium 1487.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.6%

Protein: 10.4%

Carbs: 24.0%