Imagine a side dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This Vidalia Onion and Apple Casserole is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that marries the sweet, caramelized notes of Vidalia onions with the crisp, tangy essence of fresh apples, all topped with a golden, cheesy breadcrumb crust that'll make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 Vidalia onions, sliced
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Peel and slice the Vidalia onions into thin, uniform rings, separating the layers gently.
- Wash, peel, and core the apples, then slice them into thin, even slices approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Layer the sliced onions and apples alternately in the prepared baking dish, creating an even distribution of both ingredients.
- Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the onion and apple layers to enhance their natural flavors.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly moistened.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the onion and apple layers, ensuring complete coverage.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese, distributing it uniformly across the breadcrumb layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning during initial baking.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes covered.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and cheese is melted and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Choose fresh, sweet Vidalia onions and crisp apples for the best flavor profile. The quality of your ingredients makes all the difference!
- Slice onions and apples uniformly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- For extra richness, consider using high-quality aged cheddar cheese instead of standard shredded cheese.
- Don't skip the resting time after baking—this allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set properly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts.
- Experiment with adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary between layers for an additional flavor dimension.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
