Recipe: Vidalia Onion Casserole
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Description:
Straight from the iconic “The Lady and Sons, Too” cookbook by the renowned Paula H. Deen, this Vidalia Onion Casserole recipe is a testament to Southern culinary excellence. Originating from the heart of Savannah, Georgia, Paula Deen’s culinary empire has garnered acclaim, including a prestigious “top meal of 1999” title bestowed upon her by the esteemed USA Today food critic. This casserole, with its savory flavors and comforting textures, serves as a perfect side dish to complement any hearty main course, especially steak or pork. It embodies the essence of Southern cooking at its finest, offering a delightful fusion of simplicity and irresistible taste.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Vegetable, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 420.6
- Fat Content: 30.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 16.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 174.6mg
- Sodium Content: 468mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 24g
- Fiber Content: 1.8g
- Sugar Content: 6.2g
- Protein Content: 13.4g
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 7 Vidalia onions
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs
Instructions:
- Begin by boiling the Vidalia onions until they are tender, then drain them thoroughly.
- In a skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of butter and sauté the onions until they are golden brown and caramelized, releasing their sweet aroma.
- In a separate mixing bowl, beat the eggs and milk together until well combined.
- To the egg and milk mixture, add the sautéed onions, half of the cracker crumbs, the shredded cheddar cheese, and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Mix everything together until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with savory goodness.
- Meanwhile, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and combine them with the remaining cracker crumbs, creating a buttery crumb topping.
- After the initial baking time, remove the casserole from the oven and evenly spread the buttered crumb topping over the surface.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the topping to crisp up to perfection.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
This Vidalia Onion Casserole is a true Southern classic, bursting with flavor and comforting warmth. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of this iconic recipe, straight from the kitchen of Paula Deen’s culinary legacy.
