Ingredients:

  • 1 large Sweet Vidalia onion (approx. 300g)
  • 2 cups Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar or Parmesan Cheese (approx. 225g)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 0.25 tsp Flaky Sea Salt
  • 1 spray Olive Oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven. Set your oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with a silicone mat or high-quality parchment paper.
  2. Prep onion. Slice the Vidalia onion into 1/2 inch thick rounds and separate them into individual rings. Note: Only use the medium and large rings; save the tiny centers for an omelet later.
  3. Dry rings. Pat each onion ring thoroughly with a paper towel. Cook 1 min per batch of patting until the surface is matte and dry.
  4. Mix seasoning. In a small bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  5. Create piles. Place small mounds of shredded cheese (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  6. Embed onions. Press an onion ring into the center of each cheese mound.
  7. Top cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the onion rings, focusing on the areas where the onion meets the pan.
  8. Season lightly. Dust the spice mix over the rings and apply a very light spray of olive oil.
  9. Bake rings. Slide into the oven for 15 minutes to 20 mins until the cheese edges are mahogany brown and bubbling.
  10. Rest period. Remove from the oven and let them sit on the pan for 3 full minutes until the cheese stops sizzling and hardens.