Baked Parmesan Onion Straws
Baked Onion Straws are a delicious, healthier alternative to everyone’s favorite side dish. Made with fresh onions, parmesan cheese, and an array of delicious spices, these healthy onion straws come together in less than 30 minutes.
I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker when it comes to onion rings. There is just something about the flavor and that crunch that makes me choose them over french fries every single time.
That being said, I won’t pretend that traditional onion rings aren’t loaded with unhealthy carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sodium. As delicious as they are, the ones you order at your favorite restaurant definitely aren’t the healthiest side dish. Therefore, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect healthier version of my favorite salty snack.
And the results? Mouth-watering. Drool-worthy. Absolute perfection. This recipe for Baked Onion Straws is exactly what I’ve been looking for! Made with sweet Vidalia onions, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and flavorful spices, these healthier onion rings have the same addictive flavor without all the unwanted fat and sodium.
These homemade baked onion straws pair beautifully with burgers, sandwiches, barbecue dinners, and anything else that you might pair french fries with. I also love pairing them with a homemade dipping sauce and enjoying them as an afternoon snack. If you need a little sauce inspiration, I’ve got some great recommendations listed below.
Are you still looking for traditional onion rings? I also have these super tasty Baked Onion Rings.
Key Ingredients
To make these delicious, homemade onion straws, you will need a few key ingredients:
- Vidalia onions: These onions are on the sweeter side, but are still mild in flavor and easy to pair with a variety of spices. I recommend using larger onions, as they are easier to slice into strips.
- Parmesan cheese: The parmesan cheese gives these onion straws a delicious salty flavor, while simultaneously acting as a sort of breading. Feel free to add as much or as little cheese as you would like!
- Olive oil: A quality olive oil is essential for getting the onions nice and crispy, while helping them to caramelize as well. If needed, you could swap it out for avocado oil instead.
- Spices: I like to season my onion straws with a flavorful combination of paprika, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. However, feel free to add any of your favorite spices like garlic powder or onion powder.
Onion Straws Recipe Tips
Here are some of my top tips for bringing these delicious, healthy onion straws to life:
- Cook them until they are about to burn. This might sound crazy, but the crispier the better! These Baked Onion Straws taste better the crispier they are, so I recommend cooking them until they are just about to burn. When some of the smaller pieces start to burn, this is when you should remove them from the heat.
- Spread your strips in an even layer. To ensure your onion straws come out crispy and delicious, you will need to arrange them on a single layer on the baking sheet. Be careful to avoid touching edges, or they may end up steaming instead of crisping up.
- Soak the onions in water beforehand. Soaking your onions dilutes the sulfur content, giving the onions a sweeter and milder flavor. This will also help them to get extra crispy, which is what we want.
How to Serve Baked Onion Straws
Baked Onion Straws make the ultimate healthy side dish, appetizer, or snack for any occasion. Whether you’re serving burgers, sandwiches, or barbecue, these onion straws will definitely take your meal to the next level. Not sure what to make? Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve with onion straws:
- Tilapia Fish Burgers
- Healthy Ranch Turkey Burgers
- Italian Beef Burgers
- Grilled Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
- Grilled Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches
What’s the perfect side dish without the ultimate dipping sauce to go along with it? Here are some of my top recommendations for delicious dipping sauces:
- Twenty Minute Homemade Marinara Sauce
- The Best Skinny Ranch
- Yogurt Blue Cheese Dressing
- Healthy Honey Mustard
How to Store Baked Onion Straws
Trust me when I say that this is one of those recipes you will want to double up on and save for later. While they are definitely best when fresh, you can easily enjoy them later as well. Because these delicious onion straws pair well with a variety of foods, I recommend making a big batch to have on hand for lunches or snacks throughout the week.
To store, wait for the onion straws to cool entirely, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight storage container or bag. Then, you will be able to store them in one of two ways:
- In the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- In the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about these healthy baked onion straws:
Are onion straws healthy?
Yes! While traditional onion rings are packed with carbohydrates, saturated fats, and sodium, this healthier version acts as a low-carb, low-sodium alternative. When paired alongside a sandwich or homemade burger, it makes for a perfectly healthy meal.
Can I use a different kind of onion?
Of course. While I personally prefer Vidalia onions in this recipe, you can easily use white onions instead. These have a similar texture, flavor, and aroma to Vidalia onions.
How to keep Baked Onion Straws crispy?
A secret to keeping your onion straws crispy is to soak your onions in cold water for about 10 minutes before slicing them. Not only will this ensure your onion straws come out nice and crispy, but it will help soften and sweeten the flavor of the onions as well.
How to reheat frozen onion straws?
To reheat frozen onion straws, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, nuke the thawed onion straws in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just to ensure the middle gets warm. Next, put the onion rings in the oven and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they become hot and crispy.
Can breadcrumbs being added to these onion straws?
Absolutely! If you prefer a more traditional crunchy breading, you can add 1/4-1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs to the Parmesan cheese. This will add a more traditional breaded exterior, however it will be loose breading. For a full breading, you need to coat the onion straws with egg first so the breading sticks.
More Tasty Side Dish Recipes
Baked Parmesan Onion Straws
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Ingredients
- 2 sweet Vidalia onions, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
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Instructions
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Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet covered in foil, parchment, or coated in cooking spray. Bake for 12 minutes and then shake the baking sheet. Bake for 5-15 minutes longer until crispy. The cooking time varies so much because the size of the onions and your oven will make a big difference in this recipe. You want to take them out when they are beginning to brown, caramelize, and crisp up on the edges.
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.
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I’m Kristen, I blog about food.
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