Low-Fat Vidalia Onion Casserole
A creamy, low-fat Vidalia onion casserole featuring sweet onions, reduced-fat cheese, and a savory, tangy buttermilk base, perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced Vidalia onions with water to cover.
- Bring to a boil and cook for 1 minute.
- Drain the onions well.
- Transfer the onions to an 8-inch square baking dish coated with nonstick vegetable spray.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the casserole mixture. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a bit more texture, try mixing in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. This dish is also a great way to use leftover onions from other recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a delightful side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, such as California Waldorf Salad, to complement the flavors. For a vegetarian option, enjoy it with a hearty grain dish or alongside Peachy Poppy Seed Muffins for brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick snack or side dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Vidalia Onion Casserole contains roughly 325 calories, with 15g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (91% of the Daily Value), and iron (68% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 668mg per serving (29% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend to thicken the mixture. Ensure all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free, particularly the nonstick spray.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even cooked broccoli to the mix. Just ensure that the total volume of added veggies doesn't exceed the capacity of your baking 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).