Imagine a dish that transforms humble red onions into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests swooning! This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is not just a meal, but a flavor explosion that marries the sweet earthiness of roasted onions with the salty crunch of bacon, the creamy richness of feta, and the vibrant green of fresh spinach. Perfect for those looking to elevate their cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers, these stuffed onions are about to become your new go-to recipe that screams gourmet with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 red onions
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your stuffed onions cook evenly and become tender.
- Prepare the red onions by cutting off the tops and a small portion of the bottoms to create a stable base. Carefully peel off the outer layers, keeping the onions intact.
- Using a sharp knife or a melon baller, hollow out the insides of the onions, leaving about 1/4 inch of the onion on the sides. Set the onion insides aside for later use.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the reserved onion insides to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will enhance the flavor of the filling.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once cooled, stir in the crumbled feta cheese and crumbled bacon until well combined.
- Carefully spoon the spinach, bacon, and feta mixture into each hollowed-out red onion, packing it gently to ensure they are filled completely.
- Place the stuffed onions upright in a baking dish. If desired, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the top of each onion for added flavor and moisture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the onions from drying out during cooking. This will help them steam and become tender.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Once cooked, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.
- Remove the stuffed onions from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed warm as a main course or a side dish.
- Garnish with additional crumbled feta or fresh herbs if desired, and serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose firm, large red onions with thick layers for the best stuffing results.
- When hollowing out the onions, be gentle to maintain their structural integrity.
- Don't skip the step of covering with foil - this ensures your onions stay moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme to the filling.
- If you're vegetarian, substitute bacon with crispy pancetta or smoked almonds for a similar texture.
- Prep ingredients in advance to make the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
- Let the onions rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to settle and make serving easier.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature, pairing with a crisp white wine or fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 13g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
