This Easy Cheesy Onion Crisp brings together crunchy onions and cheesy goodness for a snack that’s hard to resist. It’s quick to make and perfect for grabbing during a movie night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow Onions: These onions are sweet and perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a milder flavor, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. Red onions can work too, offering a different taste and vibrant color.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings a nice tang. You can substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor or pepper jack for a spicy kick. Don’t hesitate to mix cheeses for more depth—cream cheese paired with cheddar can add creaminess!
Garlic Powder: A must for flavor! Fresh minced garlic can be swapped in, just use about one clove per half teaspoon of powder, but be careful not to burn it while baking.
Parsley Flakes: These add a fresh touch, but you can skip them or use other dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning if you prefer.
How Do I Properly Slice the Onions?
Getting the onion slices uniform is key for even cooking. Here are some simple steps to help:
- Start by cutting off both ends of the onion, then peel off the skin.
- Place the onion flat on a cutting board, and make a clean vertical cut down the middle.
- Lay each half cut-side down and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Be careful with your fingers! Use a sharp knife for cleaner cuts and to avoid crushing the onion layers.
Uniform slices ensure everything cooks evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy edges and melted cheesy goodness!
Easy Cheesy Onion Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Onion Crisps:
- 2 large yellow onions
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)
- Cooking spray or a little olive oil (for greasing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in a little over half an hour, you’ll have a deliciously cheesy snack ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures that your crisps will bake evenly! While your oven heats, you can prepare the baking sheet.
2. Prep the Baking Sheet:
Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or give it a light spray with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Slice the Onions:
Carefully peel the onions and slice them into rounds that are about 1/4 inch thick. You want them thick enough to hold their shape but thin enough to crisp up nicely.
4. Arrange the Onion Slices:
Separate the onion slices into individual rings. Then, lay the rings or whole slices flat on the prepared baking sheet, trying to keep them in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Add Cheesy Goodness:
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over each onion slice. Make sure to cover the edges a bit too, as the cheese will melt and create a delicious crispy layer!
6. Season to Perfection:
Lightly sprinkle each onion crisp with garlic powder, black pepper, and parsley flakes if you’re using them. This will add wonderful flavor!
7. Bake:
Pop your baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the cheese should be melted and bubbling, and the edges should start to turn golden brown.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, let the onion crisps cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them get extra crispy! After that, carefully transfer them to a serving plate.
9. Enjoy!
Serve these warm as a crispy snack or a tasty side dish. They are perfect for sharing, or you might just want to keep them all to yourself. Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy onion crisps!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Onions?
Absolutely! While yellow onions are great for their sweetness, you can use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder taste or red onions for a punchier flavor. Just keep in mind that different onions may yield slightly different textures and tastes.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free! Just make sure to double-check your cheese packaging to ensure it doesn’t contain any additives with gluten. You’re good to go with the ingredients listed!
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Crisps?
These cheesy onion crisps are delicious on their own but pair wonderfully with dips like salsa, sour cream, or even guacamole. You can also use them as a crunchy topping for salads or soups for added texture!
