Let’s talk about Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onions in Creamy Thyme Sauce, a dish that redefines comfort food. Imagine tender onion halves wrapped in crispy bacon, bathed in a luscious thyme-infused cream sauce, and topped with melted Asiago cheese. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and smoky flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a gourmet appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of bacon, cheese, or anything wrapped in deliciousness, this recipe is for you. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Flavor Explosion: Smoky bacon, sweet roasted onions, and a creamy thyme sauce make every bite unforgettable.
- Simple Yet Elegant: The recipe is easy to follow, but the results look and taste gourmet.
- Versatile: Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a side dish for your favorite meals.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Bacon and cheese? You can’t go wrong!
Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onions
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need:
- 4-8 thick-cut bacon slices: Partially cooked for wrapping the onions.
- 2 large onions: Sweet onions work best, but any variety will do.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a touch of richness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped: Brings a subtle herbal note.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- 1 cup beef broth (or mushroom broth): Forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce velvety smooth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth of flavor.
- ½ cup Asiago cheese (or Parmesan): Melts beautifully for a cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon
Start by partially cooking your bacon. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until it begins to crisp but remains flexible. This step ensures the bacon will crisp up fully during baking without overcooking the onions. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to cool slightly.
2. Wrap the Onions
Peel and halve your onions, keeping the layers intact. Wrap each onion half with a slice of bacon, securing it with toothpicks if needed. Place the bacon-wrapped onions in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Make the Creamy Thyme Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination creates a savory, creamy sauce that complements the smoky bacon and sweet onions. Pour the mixture around the onions in the baking dish.
4. Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast the onions for 30-45 minutes, or until they’re tender. If the bacon edges darken too much, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
5. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the grated Asiago cheese over the onions. Return the dish to the oven for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve and Savor
Remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve these cheesy, bacon-wrapped onions as an appetizer or a savory side dish. Trust me, they’ll be the first thing to disappear from the table!
Tips for Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Onions
- Choose the Right Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best, as it holds its shape and doesn’t shrink as much during cooking.
- Softening the Onions: If your onions are large, pre-roast them for 10 minutes before wrapping to ensure they cook evenly.
- Customize the Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
- Use a Skillet: If you don’t have a baking dish, a cast-iron skillet is a great alternative.
Variations to Try
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace bacon with zucchini or eggplant slices and use mushroom broth for the sauce.
- Add Sweetness: Drizzle the onions with honey or maple syrup before baking for a sweet-savory twist.
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella instead of Asiago.
- Herb Upgrade: Use rosemary or parsley if you’re not a fan of thyme.
What to Serve With Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onions
These bacon-wrapped onions are versatile and pair well with various dishes. Here are some ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Serve alongside a charcuterie board or with crusty bread.
- With Steak or Chicken: The creamy sauce complements grilled or roasted meats beautifully.
- On a Salad: Slice the onions and add them to a hearty salad for an extra layer of flavor.
- With Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for a comforting meal.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors. Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onions in Creamy Thyme Sauce is that dish. It’s indulgent, comforting, and full of textures and tastes that leave you wanting more. The smoky bacon, sweet onions, and velvety sauce work together in perfect harmony, making this recipe a standout at any gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bacon-wrapped onions and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble and bake when ready.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
While fresh is best, you can freeze leftovers. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
What If I Don’t Have Asiago Cheese?
No problem! Parmesan or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: ~320
Conclusion
Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onions in Creamy Thyme Sauce is more than just a dish—it’s an experience. The smoky, creamy, cheesy layers will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!
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PrintCheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onions in Creamy Thyme Sauce: A Flavor-Packed Appetizer
Description
Indulge in Cheesy Bacon-Wrapped Onions! Smoky bacon, creamy thyme sauce, and melted cheese create the ultimate comfort dish.
Ingredients
- 4–8 thick-cut bacon slices
- 2 large onions, peeled and halved
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth (or mushroom broth for a vegetarian option)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup Asiago cheese, grated (or Parmesan)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Partially cook the bacon until it starts to crisp but is still flexible. Set the cooked strips aside on paper towels to cool slightly.
- Wrap the Onions: Wrap each onion half with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed. Place the wrapped onions in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with chopped thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour this mixture around the onions in the baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast the onions for 30-45 minutes, or until tender. (Cover with foil if the bacon edges start to darken too much.)
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle grated Asiago cheese over the onions and return to the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Enjoy these creamy, savory bacon-wrapped onions as a delicious side or appetizer!