Creamy Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Onions Recipe

Savory Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Onions Recipe for Comfort Meals

Sizzling onions packed with savory cheddar bacon stuffing create a mouthwatering side dish that’ll steal the show at any dinner table.

Bold flavors dance together in this irresistible recipe.

Rich, melted cheese mingles with crispy bacon bits, turning ordinary onions into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of smoky and creamy notes that tantalize the taste buds.

The golden-brown tops promise a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender onion base.

Simple ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor and impressive presentation.

Comfort food never looked so good – this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Onions

For Flavor Builders:
  • Vidalia Onions: Sweet, mild base that creates delicious edible vessels for stuffing, choose firm onions with tight, smooth skins and no soft spots.
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, tangy depth and creamy melting quality, select high-quality block cheese and grate fresh for best texture.
  • Bacon: Adds smoky, salty crunch that elevates the entire dish, opt for thick-cut varieties with good meat-to-fat ratio for maximum flavor.
For Fresh Additions:
  • Baby Spinach: Brings vibrant green color and subtle earthy nutrients, select crisp leaves without wilting or yellowing edges.
  • Roasted Onions: Intensifies natural onion sweetness with deeper caramelized notes, ensure finely chopped for even distribution.
For Seasoning and Binding:
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior and helps ingredients adhere, choose extra virgin for richer flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance and balance overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aromatic impact.

Tools to Fill and Bake Stuffed Onions Just Right

  • Oven: Essential for roasting onions and baking bacon.
  • Baking sheet: Supports onions during cooking process.
  • Foil: Wraps onions and lines bacon pan for easy cleanup.
  • Paring knife: Perfect for carefully hollowing onion centers.
  • Medium bowl: Mixes filling ingredients together.
  • Paper towels: Drains excess bacon grease.
  • Small pan: Crisps bacon evenly.
  • Cutting board: Provides surface for chopping bacon and onions.

How to Craft Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Onion Bites

  • Onion Preparation

Create a stable base for each onion by carefully peeling and trimming the bottom, ensuring they can stand upright without toppling over.

  • Initial Roasting

Drizzle onions with olive oil and season lightly, then wrap individually in foil. Roast in a hot oven until they become tender and slightly softened.

  • Bacon Magic

Crisp up bacon strips until they reach a perfect golden-brown crunch. Crumble the bacon into delightful small pieces after draining excess grease.

  • Flavor Building

Mix crumbled bacon with shredded cheese and finely chopped spinach. Enhance the blend with a touch of seasoning for extra depth.

  • Onion Transformation

Carefully carve out the center of each roasted onion, creating a cozy space for the delicious filling. Chop a small portion of the removed onion flesh to intensify the flavor profile.

  • Filling and Finishing

Pack the savory bacon and cheese mixture tightly into each hollowed onion. Return to the oven and bake until the top turns golden and the cheese becomes wonderfully melted and bubbly.

Tips for Extra Flavor in Stuffed Onions

  • Add a dash of smoked paprika or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick of excitement.
  • Prepare the stuffed onions up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Simply pop them in the oven when ready to serve for a stress-free meal.
  • Replace bacon with sun-dried tomatoes or chopped mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that's equally delicious and packed with flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe.
  • Pair these stuffed onions with a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal that's sure to impress dinner guests.

Serve Stuffed Onions Like a Star

  • Cozy Dinner Companion: Pair these stuffed onions with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness and lightness to the rich, cheesy dish.
  • Hearty Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin to create a complete and satisfying dinner that brings complementary flavors together.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the savory bacon and cheese flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like pinot noir or a crisp white chardonnay that cuts through the richness.
  • Rustic Bread Side: Complement the stuffed onions with crusty artisan bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious melted cheese and catch every last bit of flavor.

Store Leftover Stuffed Onions Without Losing Bite

  • Quick Meal Prep: Chop bacon and grate cheese the night before to slash cooking time by 15 minutes. Assemble stuffed onions in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking for stress-free entertaining.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual stuffed onions tightly in aluminum foil and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Leftover Magic: Slice cold stuffed onions and toss into green salads for a protein-packed lunch. Alternatively, dice and mix into scrambled eggs for a delicious breakfast remix.
  • Smart Refrigeration: Store cooked onions in airtight containers for 3-4 days. Always keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain optimal flavor and texture. Reheat gently in oven at 350°F to prevent cheese from separating.
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Creamy Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Onions Recipe

Creamy Cheddar & Bacon Stuffed Onions Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty cheddar & bacon stuffed onions bring rustic comfort to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Stuffed with crispy bacon and melted cheese, onions become irresistible vessels you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium Vidalia onions (white or yellow, 910 oz/255285 g each)
  • 3 slices bacon
  • 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 packed cup (240 ml) fresh baby spinach (stacked and thinly cut)
  • 23 tbsps (3045 ml) chopped roasted onion
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and select medium-sized whole onions with intact roots and sturdy outer layers.
  2. Roasting Onions: Massage onions with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then completely wrap in aluminum foil. Place vertically on a rimmed baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes until softened. Cool until manageable.
  3. Bacon Preparation: Reduce oven to 350°F (177°C) and cook bacon strips on a foil-lined sheet until crisp, about 15 minutes. Drain on paper towels and finely dice.
  4. Filling Creation: In a mixing bowl, combine diced bacon, cheddar cheese, spinach, garlic, salt, and pepper. Finely chop extracted onion flesh and incorporate into the mixture.
  5. Onion Hollowing: Carefully excavate onion interiors using a sharp paring knife, maintaining outer shell structure to create a hollowed vessel.
  6. Stuffing and Final Baking: Pack the cheese-bacon mixture densely into each onion cavity. Return oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling surface.

Notes

  • Onion Selection: Choose medium-sized onions with firm, thick outer layers to create sturdy edible vessels for stuffing.
  • Roasting Technique: Wrapping onions in foil prevents burning and helps them soften evenly, creating a tender base for filling.
  • Bacon Preparation: Cook bacon until perfectly crisp to ensure maximum flavor and ideal texture when mixed with cheese.
  • Filling Balance: Chop some extracted onion flesh into the mixture to enhance overall depth and prevent waste of ingredients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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