If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful side dish that feels both rustic and elegant, you have to try this Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe. This dish features tender, savory onions baked to perfection, enriched with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a luscious topping of Asiago cheese that melts and browns beautifully under the oven’s heat. Each bite offers a wonderful combination of sweetness from the caramelized onions and the sharp, nutty depth of the Asiago cheese, making it a memorable addition to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this recipe offers a delicious way to elevate simple ingredients into something spectacular and soul-soothing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe is straightforward, yet each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These essentials come together to create a harmonious dish that’s extremely easy to prepare but packs a big punch at the table.
- 4 large yellow or sweet onions: Choose firm, fresh onions for sweetness and a perfect texture after baking.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create a deliciously silky broth alongside the onions.
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth: Used to steam the onions gently and infuse them with savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Elevates the flavor with a mellow garlic undertone without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds aromatic complexity and warmth.
- 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese: The star topping that melts into a golden, bubbling finish with a sharp, nutty flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of green and light herbaceous notes as a garnish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance every bite.
How to Make Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right for slowly roasting the onions until tender while melting the Asiago cheese perfectly later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Onions
Peel the onions and trim both ends so they sit flat on your cutting board. Slice them in half horizontally and, if you like, remove a few of the inner layers to create a shallow well—this helps hold the butter and cheese for extra flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange the Onions in a Baking Dish
Place the onion halves cut side up in a baking dish. Dot each half generously with a pat of butter to give a rich, creamy base as they cook.
Step 4: Add Broth for Moisture
Pour the broth around the onions, just enough to fill the bottom of the dish. This creates steam during baking, softening the onions beautifully without drying them out.
Step 5: Season Generously
Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the onion tops. These spices layer in savory and herbal notes that complement the natural sweetness of the onions.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This step ensures your onions cook through gently, steaming to a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Add Asiago Cheese
After removing the foil, sprinkle a full cup of shredded Asiago cheese over each onion half. This cheese is going to turn golden and bubbly, giving the dish a savory crust.
Step 8: Bake Uncovered
Bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the Asiago cheese is beautifully browned and bubbly. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, but do aim for that gorgeous golden top.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve your Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe warm with a spoonful of the buttery broth from the baking dish for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, but you can also add a sprinkle of chopped chives or thyme to bring a different herbal brightness. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving can add a luscious finish that makes each bite shine.
Side Dishes
These baked onions pair wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, steamed green vegetables, or even a creamy risotto. Their rich, melty cheese and tender onion base make them a naturally decadent side that complements simple mains well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each onion half on a small plate with a spoonful of broth spooned over it, or place them on slices of toasted baguette for a rustic starter. For a party, you can hollow out smaller onions and stuff them with the cheese mixture for bite-sized treats inspired by this Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the broth separate if possible to prevent the onions from becoming too soggy.
Freezing
While baked onions with cheese don’t freeze perfectly due to texture changes, you can freeze the plain cooked onions without the cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and add fresh Asiago cheese before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the onions in a baking dish with a splash of broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add fresh Asiago cheese on top in the last 10 minutes for that fresh baked appeal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
Yellow or sweet onions are best because they caramelize nicely and become tender when baked. Red onions can be used but they have a sharper flavor and firmer texture that changes the dish’s character.
Is Asiago cheese necessary, or can I substitute?
Asiago offers a unique sharp, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions perfectly. You can substitute with Parmesan or a sharp Pecorino Romano if needed, but the final taste will differ slightly.
How do I know when the onions are done baking?
The onions should be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork but not falling apart. The cheese on top should be bubbly and golden brown, signaling that the dish is ready to enjoy.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth, but the cheese is key for flavor and texture. Using a vegan Asiago-style cheese can work, though the result will vary from the traditional recipe.
What are some ways to make this recipe spicier?
Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings or using a pepper jack cheese blend instead of Asiago. A dash of smoked paprika also adds a subtle heat and warmth to the onions.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe is one of those wonderful dishes that feels both cozy and luxurious at the same time. Its simplicity invites you to enjoy every step, from peeling the onions to savoring the final melty, cheesy bite. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch how such humble ingredients come together to create something truly unforgettable. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting everyday meal, these baked onions will quickly become a cherished favorite in your cooking repertoire.
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Baked Onions with Asiago Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious baked onions topped with melted Asiago cheese, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, and cooked until tender and golden. This savory side dish combines the natural sweetness of onions with rich butter and cheese, perfect for complementing any meal.
Ingredients
Onions and Seasoning
- 4 large yellow or sweet onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the onions.
- Prepare Onions: Peel the onions and trim both ends so they sit flat. Slice them in half horizontally and remove a few inner layers to create a shallow well if desired for better ingredient placement.
- Arrange Onions: Place the onion halves cut side up in a baking dish. Add a pat of butter on top of each onion half to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Add Broth: Pour vegetable or chicken broth around the onions, filling the bottom of the dish to help steam and soften the onions as they bake.
- Season: Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the onion tops for seasoning the dish.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes to allow the onions to become tender and infused with flavor.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and evenly top each onion half with shredded Asiago cheese to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the baked onions with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve warm with a spoonful of the buttery broth from the dish.
Notes
- Choosing sweet onions will enhance the natural sweetness in the dish.
- Using vegetable broth makes the recipe vegetarian-friendly; chicken broth adds more savory depth.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic.
- Covering the dish with foil during the first baking stage steams the onions, making them tender.
- Ensure cheese is evenly spread for a nicely browned topping.
- Parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh, vibrant finish.
