Savory Broccoli-Stuffed Spanish Onions
Delight your taste buds with these Savory Broccoli-Stuffed Spanish Onions. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of Spanish onions with a luscious broccoli and cheese filling, creating a comforting and hearty dish. Perfect as a side or a main vegetarian option, these onions are baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve them at your next family dinner or gathering and watch as they disappear quickly!
6
Servings
360
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spanish onions
6 (medium, peeled)
frozen broccoli
10 ounces (chopped, cooked according to directions)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
mayonnaise
1/3 cup (none)
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
milk
2/3 cup (whole or 2%)
cream cheese
3 ounces (cubed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Carefully add the peeled Spanish onions and parboil for 10-12 minutes until slightly tender. Drain the onions and set aside to cool.
3
While the onions are cooling, prepare the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions, then drain it thoroughly.
4
Once the onions are cool enough to handle, cut the tops off each onion and carefully remove the centers with a spoon, leaving about a 3/4-inch border to create onion shells. Reserve the onion centers.
5
In a mixing bowl, chop the reserved onion centers and combine them with the cooked broccoli, grated Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and fresh lemon juice. Mix well and spoon the filling into each hollowed onion shell.
6
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine. Once melted, add the flour and whisk until well combined and lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes.
7
Gradually whisk in the salt and milk, continuing to stir constantly until the mixture thickens, around 3-5 minutes.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat, add the cubed cream cheese, and stir until smooth and creamy.
9
Spoon the creamy cheese sauce generously over the stuffed onions, ensuring each onion is well coated.
10
Place the baking dish with the stuffed onions in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the tops are golden brown.
11
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
30g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Broccoli-Stuffed Spanish Onions?
They are a comforting dish consisting of medium Spanish onions hollowed out and filled with a mixture of broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise, then topped with a creamy cheese sauce and baked.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While Spanish onions are preferred for their mild flavor and large size, you can use large yellow onions as a substitute.
How long do I need to parboil the onions?
The onions should be parboiled in salted water for 10-12 minutes until they are slightly tender.
What should I do with the centers of the onions?
The reserved onion centers should be chopped and mixed into the broccoli and cheese filling.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli; simply cook it until tender and chop it before adding it to the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, dairy, and eggs in the mayonnaise.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings, with one stuffed onion per person.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated and set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How long does it take to bake the stuffed onions?
The onions need to bake for approximately 20 minutes or until tender and golden brown.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the filling?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for mayonnaise if desired.
What kind of cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or a sharp white cheddar can be used as alternatives to Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the creamy cheese sauce?
Melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually add milk until thickened, then stir in cubed cream cheese until smooth.
Can I use a dairy-free milk alternative?
Yes, an unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or soy can be used, though it may slightly alter the flavor.
Is there a gluten-free option for the sauce?
To make it gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
How do I know when the onions are fully cooked?
The onions are done when they are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed onions and store them in the refrigerator, then bake them just before serving.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover stuffed onions should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze the stuffed onions?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the onions and the creamy sauce may change significantly upon thawing.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 360 calories, 21g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 11g of protein.
What dishes pair well with these stuffed onions?
They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted meats, or a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
How do I hollow out the onions without breaking them?
After parboiling and cooling, use a spoon to gently scoop out the center, leaving a 3/4-inch thick wall.
Can I add protein to the filling?
Yes, you can add cooked bacon bits, chopped ham, or shredded chicken to the broccoli mixture.
What if I do not have fresh lemon juice?
You can use bottled lemon juice or a small amount of white wine vinegar to provide the necessary acidity.
Why is my cheese sauce lumpy?
Lumps usually occur if milk is added too quickly; whisk constantly and add milk gradually to ensure a smooth sauce.
Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe works well with either butter or margarine.
What size should the Spanish onions be?
Medium-sized onions are ideal so that they serve as a manageable individual portion.
Should the broccoli be fully cooked before stuffing?
Yes, ensure the broccoli is cooked according to package directions and well-drained before mixing the filling.
Can I add extra spices to the filling?
Certainly; garlic powder, black pepper, or red pepper flakes can be added for extra flavor.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the combination of broccoli and creamy cheese sauce is usually a hit with children.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the sauce?
Yes, low-fat cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese can be used to reduce the fat content slightly.