Asiago Bacon Wrapped Roasted Onions: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Asiago Bacon Wrapped Roasted Onions: Prepare to be amazed by this unexpectedly delicious and addictive appetizer! Imagine the sweet, mellow flavor of roasted onions, intensified by smoky bacon, and then elevated to new heights with the nutty, sharp bite of Asiago cheese. It’s a flavor explosion that will have your guests begging for more.

While bacon-wrapped appetizers have a long and storied history, often associated with celebrations and gatherings across various cultures, the addition of Asiago cheese to roasted onions is a relatively modern twist. It’s a testament to the power of culinary innovation, taking familiar comfort foods and transforming them into something truly special. The combination of savory, sweet, and salty notes creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is phenomenal. The sweetness of the roasted onions perfectly complements the saltiness of the bacon and the sharpness of the Asiago. Second, the texture is delightful – the soft, yielding onion, the crispy bacon, and the slightly firm cheese create a wonderful contrast. Finally, while they look impressive, Asiago Bacon Wrapped Roasted Onions are surprisingly easy to make. They require minimal ingredients and effort, making them perfect for both casual get-togethers and more formal occasions. I promise you, this recipe will become a new favorite in your household!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or similar), peeled
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 4 ounces Asiago cheese, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Wooden toothpicks, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes (to prevent burning)

Preparing the Onions:

1. Carefully slice off the top and bottom of each onion, ensuring they can stand upright. You want to remove just enough so they are stable, but not so much that you expose too many layers.
2. Using a sharp knife, make a deep incision down the side of each onion, from top to bottom, but do not cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket that you can stuff with cheese and wrap with bacon. The incision should be about 3/4 of the way through the onion.
3. Gently pry open the incision, creating a cavity inside the onion. Be careful not to break the onion apart. You might need to use your fingers to loosen the layers slightly.
4. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried thyme, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). This will be your flavor base.
5. Brush the inside of each onion cavity with the olive oil mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. This will help to tenderize the onion and infuse it with flavor.
6. Season the inside of each onion cavity with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as the onions are quite large.

Stuffing and Wrapping:

1. Divide the grated Asiago cheese evenly among the four onions, stuffing it into the cavities you created. Pack it in firmly, but not so tightly that you damage the onion. You want a generous amount of cheese in each onion.
2. Now for the bacon! Cut each slice of bacon in half. This will make it easier to wrap around the onions.
3. Starting at the top of the onion, wrap a piece of bacon around the onion, overlapping slightly with each wrap. Secure the end of the bacon with a soaked wooden toothpick.
4. Continue wrapping the onion with bacon, working your way down to the bottom. Use toothpicks as needed to secure the bacon in place. You want the entire onion to be covered in bacon, with no gaps.
5. Repeat the wrapping process for the remaining onions. Make sure each onion is securely wrapped in bacon.

Roasting the Onions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make cleanup much easier and prevent the onions from sticking to the pan.
3. Place the bacon-wrapped onions on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are standing upright and not touching each other.
4. Drizzle any remaining olive oil mixture over the bacon-wrapped onions. This will help the bacon to crisp up nicely.
5. Roast the onions in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the onions are tender. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your onions and the thickness of your bacon.
6. Halfway through the cooking time (after about 25-30 minutes), check the onions. If the bacon is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
7. To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into the center of an onion. It should be easily pierced with little resistance. The bacon should be crispy and golden brown.
8. Once the onions are cooked through, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and prevent them from being too hot to handle.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Carefully remove the toothpicks from the onions before serving.
2. Serve the Asiago bacon-wrapped roasted onions whole as a side dish, or slice them into wedges for easier serving.
3. These onions are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
4. For an extra touch of flavor, you can drizzle the onions with a balsamic glaze or sprinkle them with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
5. Leftover onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Choosing the right onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are the best choice for this recipe, as they have a mild flavor that complements the bacon and cheese. However, you can also use yellow onions if you prefer a stronger onion flavor.
• Bacon variations: You can use different types of bacon for this recipe, such as maple bacon, peppered bacon, or even turkey bacon. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cheese substitutions: If you don’t have Asiago cheese, you can substitute it with Parmesan, Gruyere, or even cheddar cheese.
• Adding herbs and spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of these onions. Some good options include rosemary, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
• Making it vegetarian: For a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can substitute the bacon with strips of eggplant or zucchini. Marinate the eggplant or zucchini in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before wrapping it around the onions.
• Grilling the onions: You can also grill these onions instead of roasting them in the oven. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the onions for about 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the onions are tender. Be sure to turn the onions occasionally to prevent them from burning.
• Slow cooker option: For a hands-off approach, you can cook these onions in a slow cooker. Place the onions in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The bacon may not get as crispy in the slow cooker, but the onions will be incredibly tender.
• Make ahead: You can assemble the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before roasting. This is a great option if you’re entertaining and want to get some of the prep work done in advance.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the onions have enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan will steam the onions instead of roasting them, resulting in soggy bacon.
• Soak the toothpicks: Soaking the toothpicks in water is crucial to prevent them from burning in the oven. Nobody wants a burnt toothpick in their delicious onion!

Enjoy your Asiago Bacon Wrapped Roasted Onions! They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Asiago Bacon Wrapped Roasted Onions are truly something special, and I genuinely believe they deserve a spot on your table very soon. Why? Because they’re an explosion of flavor – the sweetness of the onion caramelizing in the oven, the salty, smoky crispness of the bacon, and that sharp, nutty tang from the Asiago cheese all working together in perfect harmony. It’s a surprisingly simple recipe that delivers a gourmet experience, making it a must-try for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile! While I’ve presented it as a fantastic appetizer or side dish, don’t be afraid to get creative. Imagine these Asiago Bacon Wrapped Roasted Onions topping a juicy grilled steak, adding a burst of flavor to a simple salad, or even incorporated into a decadent grilled cheese sandwich. For a vegetarian twist, you could substitute the bacon with thinly sliced prosciutto or even a vegetarian bacon alternative. You could also experiment with different cheeses – a sharp cheddar or a creamy Gruyere would also be delicious.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve warm as an appetizer with a balsamic glaze drizzle.
* Pair as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or steak.
* Chop and add to omelets or frittatas for a savory breakfast treat.
* Use as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.
* Add to a charcuterie board for a sophisticated touch.

Variations:

* Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bacon before wrapping.
* Sweet and Savory: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup after roasting.
* Herb Infused: Sprinkle with fresh thyme or rosemary before baking.
* Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or Fontina.
* Bacon Alternative: Use prosciutto or a vegetarian bacon substitute.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a winner in my book. I truly believe that mastering this Asiago Bacon Wrapped Roasted Onions recipe will elevate your cooking game and impress your family and friends.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience a culinary delight. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover the magic for yourself.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? Did you serve it with something special? What did your family and friends think? Please, please, please share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and I love seeing how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!