Savory Vidalia Onion and Creamy Rice Bake
This comforting Savory Vidalia Onion and Creamy Rice Bake is a delightful dish that brings together the mild sweetness of Vidalia onions and the creaminess of Swiss cheese. Originating from a cherished family reunion recipe, this casserole is the perfect side dish for any meal. The generous quantity of onions may seem daunting, but they cook down to create a rich, flavorful base that mixes seamlessly with the rice and cheese. Best served warm, this casserole can also be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks. You'll treasure the leftovers as they taste even better the next day!
8-10
Servings
230
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
white rice
1 cup (cooked as directed with 1 tsp salt)
Vidalia onions
7 cups (medium diced)
butter or margarine
4 tablespoons (melted)
half-and-half or milk
1 1/2 cups (optional: use 2% low-fat milk)
Swiss cheese
1 1/2 cups (grated (approx. 1/2 pound))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
3
Add the diced Vidalia onions to the skillet and sauté them, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and translucent, about 10-15 minutes.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, sautéed onions, half-and-half (or milk), and grated Swiss cheese. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes.
7
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the leftovers, as they taste even better the next day!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
22g
Carbs
7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Vidalia Onion and Creamy Rice Bake?
It is a comforting casserole dish that combines the mild sweetness of Vidalia onions with creamy Swiss cheese and rice, originating from a cherished family reunion recipe.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 1 cup of cooked white rice, 7 cups of diced Vidalia onions, 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine, 1.5 cups of half-and-half or milk, and 1.5 cups of grated Swiss cheese.
What type of onions are best for this bake?
Vidalia onions are recommended for their specific mild and sweet flavor profile which characterizes this dish.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 10 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 230 calories.
How do I prepare the onions for the casserole?
The Vidalia onions should be medium diced and then sauteed in butter or margarine until they are soft and translucent, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I use low-fat milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half with milk, including 2% low-fat milk as an optional variation.
What size baking dish is required?
A greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The total baking time is 60 minutes: 50 minutes covered with foil and an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
Why is the casserole baked covered for most of the time?
Covering the dish with aluminum foil for the first 50 minutes ensures the ingredients cook through and flavors meld without the top burning.
What happens during the final 10 minutes of baking?
The foil is removed to allow the top of the casserole to become golden and bubbly.
Is this recipe suitable for making ahead of time?
Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance, which allows the flavors to deepen and makes it convenient for gatherings.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides about 7 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much Swiss cheese is required?
You will need 1.5 cups of grated Swiss cheese, which is approximately half a pound.
Should the rice be cooked before mixing?
Yes, the white rice should be cooked as directed with 1 teaspoon of salt before being added to the mixture.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 4 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in the refrigerator and are noted to taste even better the next day.
Is this dish considered a side dish or a main course?
While it is very filling, it is typically served as a delightful side dish for any meal.
How long should I let the casserole cool before serving?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set slightly.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar information?
No, fiber and sugar nutritional values are not specified for this recipe.
What is the texture of the onions after cooking?
Although there is a large quantity of onions, they cook down to create a rich, flavorful, and soft base.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include casserole, side dish, onions, rice, cheese, comfort food, family recipe, and make-ahead.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The recipe specifically calls for Swiss cheese to achieve its signature creamy flavor, but you could experiment with other melting cheeses if necessary.
Is this dish good for potlucks?
Yes, it is ideal for potlucks and family gatherings because it serves many people and can be made in advance.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the preparation style for the onions?
The onions should be medium diced before sauteing.
Is the serving size specified in the recipe?
The recipe provides a serving count of 8 to 10, but a specific weight or volume per serving size is not listed.