She Strengthens

Elevate Your Holiday Feast with Stuffed Roasted Onions

When it comes to holiday gatherings, the sides can often steal the show. This recipe for stuffed roasted onions is sure to impress your guests and become a new family favorite.

The Perfect Onions

To start, you’ll need six large yellow onions, all roughly the same size. This ensures they roast evenly and look stunning on the table. Make sure to buy them a few days in advance to allow time for preparation.

Roasting the Onions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Slice the bottoms off the onions to stabilize them, then remove the top third and peel the onions. Hollow out the insides, leaving about 2-3 outer layers intact. Place the onion shells in the baking dish, dot with butter, and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Add 1/2 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and roast for about 40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and caramelized.

The Savory Stuffing

While the onions roast, prepare the stuffing. Blanch 12 ounces of salt pork or bacon in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and set aside. In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the blanched pork over medium heat until golden brown. Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of minced jalapeño, cooking until fragrant. Stir in 2 cups of toasted pecans and 9 cups of crumbled cornbread, cooking for an additional 5 minutes. Season with freshly ground black pepper and add the remaining chicken broth. Remove from heat and mix well.

Assembly and Baking

Once the onions are tender, divide the stuffing among them, filling them completely. Place any remaining stuffing in a buttered loaf pan and bake alongside the onions. Return the onions to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the filling is heated through.

Tips and Variations

To make ahead, prepare the onions and stuffing separately, then assemble and bake just before serving. You can also customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients, such as diced apples or dried cranberries. For a twist, try using different types of nuts or spices to create a unique flavor profile.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 12 servings and takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to prepare, with 30 minutes of active cooking time. Perfect for your next holiday gathering!