Baked Sweet Onions (Vidalias)
Creamy baked sweet onions with cheddar cheese, perfect as a comforting side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings, highlighting sweet onions and rich flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice onions; cut each slice in half.
- Saute onions in 1/4 cup melted butter in a Dutch oven until crisp-tender.
- Spoon the sautéed onions into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, half and half, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the onions in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of butter and olive oil for sautéing the onions. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. To enhance the dish, add herbs like thyme or rosemary, which complement the sweetness of the onions beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These Baked Sweet Onions make a delightful side dish and pair well with grilled meats or roasted chicken. For a vegetarian meal, serve them alongside a fresh salad or with rice. They are also great to serve in place of baked potatoes, adding a unique twist to your dinner table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Sweet Onions (Vidalias) contains roughly 870 calories, with 17g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1756mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
While sweet onions like Vidalias are ideal for their flavor, you can use other types such as yellow onions or even red onions. Just keep in mind that the taste will differ slightly, with yellow onions providing a more robust flavor and red onions adding a hint of sweetness.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed.
What can I substitute for the half and half?
If you don’t have half and half, you can use a combination of milk and heavy cream. For a lighter option, use whole milk or a non-dairy milk alternative, but note that this may slightly alter the richness of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).