Elegant Stuffed Onions
Elegant stuffed onions feature tender, flavorful shells filled with a savory olive and breadcrumb mixture, topped with paprika. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel onions, removing only the thin outer layer, and slice off the tops. Reserve the tops.
- Place onions in boiling salted water in a saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes until tender.
- Drain the onions and let them cool.
- Chop the onion tops to make 1/3 cup of finely chopped onions.
- Saute the chopped onion tops in butter until golden.
- Chop the olives; add bread crumbs, parsley, salt, poultry seasoning, sage, and pepper; toss to combine.
- Carefully scoop out the center portions of the onions, reserving and chopping the centers for other uses.
- Do not cut through the bottom of the onion shells.
- Fill each onion shell with the prepared stuffing.
- Sprinkle the stuffed onions with paprika.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a milder flavor, choose sweet onions like Vidalia. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought bread crumbs and chopped olives. Adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can enhance the dish's richness. Pre-cook the onions a day ahead to save time on the day of serving. This recipe is also a great option for vegetarian recipes if you substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the elegant stuffed onions as a delightful side dish at your next dinner gathering. They pair wonderfully with roasted meats or a fresh garden salad, such as So Good - So Easy Salad. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color and flavor. For a full meal, consider pairing them with Glazed Carrots(Glaserte Gulerotter) for a complete and colorful plate.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish covered with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. They can also be microwaved for quicker reheating, but the texture might be softer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Elegant Stuffed Onions contains roughly 264 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (117% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make stuffed onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed onions up to a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps them cook evenly and ensures they heat through properly.
What can I substitute for olives in this recipe?
If you're not a fan of olives, you can use chopped sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for a similar briny flavor. Additionally, chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can provide a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the stuffing. Adjust seasonings to ensure the stuffing remains flavorful.
How do I know when the onions are done baking?
The stuffed onions are done when they are heated through and the tops are slightly golden. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork into the onion; it should be tender but not mushy. The additional 10 minutes of uncovered baking helps achieve a nice texture on the outside.
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).