Vidalia Onion Deep Dish
A comforting deep dish casserole featuring sweet Vidalia onions, Swiss cheese, and tender rice, baked with creamy richness and a hint of paprika—perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook rice in a large pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add chopped onions and cook, stirring, until tender.
- Mix shredded Swiss cheese and whipping cream together.
- Add cooked rice, minced parsley, salt, and pepper to the onion mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased, buttered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with paprika on top.
- Bake for one hour at 325°F.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses such as Gruyère or even a sharp cheddar instead of Swiss. If you want a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the onion mixture. Ensure the onions are well-cooked to bring out their sweetness, as this dish relies heavily on their flavor. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the whipping cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Vidalia Onion Deep Dish as a hearty side to grilled meats or as a main dish alongside a crisp salad. It pairs beautifully with Pink Cole Slaw for a refreshing contrast. For a complete meal, consider adding crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vidalia Onion Deep Dish contains roughly 1379 calories, with 50g protein, 243g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (124% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 785mg per serving (34% 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for Vidalia onions?
If Vidalia onions are not available, you can use other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui onions. Alternatively, yellow onions can work in a pinch, but they will have a sharper flavor, so consider adding a bit of sugar to balance it out.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Vidalia Onion Deep Dish is a great option for vegetarian recipes as it contains no meat. Just ensure your cheese and cream are vegetarian-friendly. It's a filling dish that can satisfy even non-vegetarians!
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).