Enhance your next barbecue with these Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Vidalia Onions. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions with the smoky flavor of bacon and Gruyere cheese. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, these onions are basted with a flavorful broth and vermouth sauce, ensuring they stay moist and packed with flavor. This dish will impress your guests and become a staple at your grilling sessions.
Ingredients
- 4 Vidalia onions (small-medium)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp Montreal seasoning
- 4 slices thick bacon
- 4 oz Gruyere cheese, sliced and torn
- 2 tbsp flat-leaf parsley, chopped
Basting Sauce:
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup dry vermouth
- 1/4 tsp lemon thyme (or substitute fresh thyme with a squeeze of lemon juice)
- 1/2 tbsp Montreal seasoning
Directions
- Prepare Onions: Peel and trim the tops and bottoms of the onions so they stand upright. Scoop out a few inner layers.
- Season and Wrap: Brush onions with olive oil and sprinkle with Montreal seasoning. Wrap each onion with a slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
- Smoke Onions: Preheat smoker to 250°F. Mix basting sauce ingredients in a bowl. Place onions in the smoker and add 2 tbsp of the sauce to each onion. Smoke for 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese: In the last 5-10 minutes of smoking, place cheese inside and around the onions to melt. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Conclusion and Tips
These Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Vidalia Onions are a unique and delicious addition to any barbecue. For an extra kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the basting mixture. Serve as a flavorful side dish or a stand-out appetizer at your next cookout.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your tips and favorite variations in the comments below. What’s your go-to grilling recipe?