Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Baked Stuffed Onions with Cheese?
They are a hearty side dish where large yellow onions are parboiled, hollowed out, and filled with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and herbs before being baked until tender.
What type of onions are best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using six large yellow onions for the best flavor and size.
How long do I need to boil the onions?
The whole onions should be simmered in boiling water for about 20 minutes until they are slightly tender.
Why should I leave the root end intact while peeling?
Leaving the root end intact helps hold the onion layers together while they boil.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What goes into the stuffing mixture?
The stuffing consists of fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, chopped green onion, and melted butter.
Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought plain fresh breadcrumbs.
How much of the onion should I scoop out?
You should scoop out approximately one-third of the inner layers of each onion to create space for the stuffing.
What should I do with the scooped-out onion centers?
The recipe suggests setting the scooped onion aside for another use, such as in soups, stews, or sautés.
How do I make the onions stand upright in the baking dish?
After boiling, carefully trim away the root end to create a stable, flat base.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 3 tablespoons of melted butter is used: 2 tablespoons in the stuffing and 1 tablespoon drizzled over the tops.
How long do the onions need to bake?
The stuffed onions should be baked for 30 to 40 minutes.
Why do I need to cover the dish with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish with foil prevents the breadcrumb topping from browning too quickly while the onions soften.
How do I know when the onions are finished cooking?
The onions are done when they are soft and the breadcrumb tops have turned golden brown.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 70 calories, 4g of fat, 7.5g of carbohydrates, and 1.67g of protein.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
The provided nutritional data lists fiber as null, though onions naturally contain some dietary fiber.
Can I use red onions instead of yellow onions?
While yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness when baked, red onions can be used if you prefer a sharper flavor.
Should I use freshly grated Parmesan?
Yes, using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I add salt and pepper to the stuffing?
Yes, you can season the breadcrumb mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe uses 6 large onions, typically yielding 6 servings.
What is the preparation for the green onions?
You should use only the green parts of the green onion, freshly chopped.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, replace the fresh breadcrumbs with a certified gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
What category of food does this fall into?
This is considered a savory vegetable side dish or a comfort food.
Can I prepare these onions in advance?
Yes, you can parboil and stuff the onions ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you are ready to bake.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover stuffed onions should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat them?
Reheat them in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to maintain the texture of the breadcrumbs.
What does the garlic powder add to the dish?
The garlic powder provides a subtle aromatic depth to the savory stuffing mixture.
Can I add other herbs to the stuffing?
While the recipe calls for dried oregano, you can experiment with dried thyme or rosemary for different flavor profiles.
Are these onions served hot or cold?
These savory baked stuffed onions are best served hot immediately after baking.