Stuffed Vidalia Onions
Savory stuffed Vidalia onions filled with a creamy cheese mixture, bacon, shrimp, and herbs, perfect as an elegant appetizer or comforting entree for onion lovers and seafood fans.
Ingredients
- 4 large Vidalia onions, peeled ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 3 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup chives ⓘ
- 1/4 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 drops red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 20 boiled shrimp ⓘ
- parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Wrap each peeled Vidalia onion in a damp paper towel and microwave on full power for about 10 minutes or until tender.
- Let the onions cool slightly, then cut off the tops and carefully scoop out the inside pulp, leaving about 3 outer layers to form a circular opening.
- Place the hollowed onions in a casserole dish and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped chives, sliced mushrooms, pepper, garlic salt, red pepper sauce, whipping cream, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Mix well to create the stuffing mixture.
- Fill each steamed onion with the prepared stuffing mixture evenly.
- Microwave the stuffed onions at full power for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish each stuffed onion with 5 boiled shrimp around the top edge.
- Sprinkle the center with parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure the Vidalia onions are fully tender before scooping out the insides. If cream cheese isn’t available, mascarpone or ricotta can be good substitutes. Adding some diced bell peppers or celery to the stuffing can enhance the flavor and texture. For a bit of heat, consider using a spicier hot sauce instead of red pepper sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed Vidalia onions make a delightful appetizer or side dish, pairing beautifully with grilled meats or a fresh salad. Consider serving them alongside Pork Chops And Sage Onions for a cohesive meal. A light white wine or sparkling water can complement the flavors nicely. Garnish with extra chives or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the stuffed onions in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in an oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stuffed Vidalia Onions contains roughly 1755 calories, with 121g protein, 330g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (488% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 808mg per serving (35% 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 these stuffed onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed onions a day in advance. Simply assemble them, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, just microwave or bake until heated through. This makes them a great option for gatherings or meal prep.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If shrimp isn't preferred, you could substitute with cooked and crumbled sausage or diced chicken for added protein. Alternatively, keep it vegetarian by adding more mushrooms or other vegetables to the stuffing mixture.
How do I know when the onions are done cooking?
The onions are done when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If you’re microwaving, check them at the 10-minute mark, as different microwaves may vary in power. If needed, continue cooking in 1-minute increments until tender.
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).