Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion is a delightful blend of rich cheeses and tender baked onion, perfect as a savory side or appetizer. Its creamy, cheesy filling melts beautifully inside a sweet onion, making it a comforting treat that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: Cut the top off the onion and carefully scoop out the center, leaving about 1/2 inch of onion on the sides and bottom. Chop the removed onion pieces and set them aside.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Step 4: Drizzle olive oil inside the hollowed onion, then fill it with the cheese mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Step 5: Place the stuffed onion in a baking dish and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the onion is tender.
- Step 7: Allow the onion to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into wedges to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or panko for a lighter, crunchier texture in the filling.
- Add finely chopped cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for cheddar or fontina for a different cheese profile.
- Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to complement the sweetness of the onion.
Storage
Store any leftover stuffed onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed onion up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, though fresh parsley gives a brighter flavor. Use about one-third of the fresh amount when substituting dried herbs.
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Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Recipe
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion is a delicious and easy-to-make baked appetizer featuring a large sweet onion hollowed out and filled with a creamy blend of mozzarella, cream cheese, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and fresh herbs, baked to a bubbly, golden perfection. This savory dish makes a perfect starter or side for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the stuffed onion evenly.
- Prepare the Onion: Cut the top off the large sweet onion and carefully scoop out the center to create a hollow shell, leaving about half an inch of onion on the sides and bottom to maintain structure. Chop the removed onion pieces finely and set aside for the filling mixture.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, chopped onion pieces, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined and creamy.
- Stuff the Onion: Drizzle the hollowed onion interior with olive oil to add moisture and flavor. Then, fill the cavity with the prepared cheese mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in securely.
- Bake Covered: Place the stuffed onion in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the onion and meld the flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese topping is bubbly, golden, and the onion is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Allow the stuffed onion to cool for a few minutes after baking to set. Slice into wedges and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish.
Notes
- Use a sweet onion like Vidalia for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Breadcrumbs help bind the filling and add a slight crunch to the texture.
- For a crispier top, you can broil the onion for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: stuffed onion, baked appetizer, mozzarella, cream cheese, cheesy onion recipe, vegetarian appetizer
