New England Baked Onion Rings

New England Baked Onion Rings Recipe - Delicious and Crunchy Onion Rings

Region / culture: New England | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

New England Baked Onion Rings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried onion rings. These crispy and flavorful rings make the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion.

History

Onion rings have been a popular dish in American cuisine for decades, with variations found in different regions of the country. New England Baked Onion Rings offer a lighter and more nutritious take on this classic favorite.

Ingredients

0.25 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp dry mustard
0.25 tsp table salt
2 large spanish onions, sliced into 0.25 inch-thick rounds
0.5 cup buttermilk
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
cooking spray (olive oil flavored), or enough to coat onions

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) (THE OVEN MUST BE HOT FOR BEST RESULTS).
Coat a large baking sheet with olive oil cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt. Add onions and toss to coat.
Pour buttermilk into a large bowl, add onions and toss to coat. Place bread crumbs in a separate large bowl, add onions and toss to coat.
Transfer onions to the prepared baking sheet and spray with olive oil cooking spray.
Bake until golden brown, approximately 35 minutes. Serve hot.
Yields about 0.5 an Onion per serving.
This recipe yields 4 servings.

Variations

Try adding different seasonings or spices to the flour mixture for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with using different types of onions, such as sweet onions or red onions.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For best results, make sure to preheat the oven to the specified temperature before baking the onion rings. Coating the onions in flour, buttermilk, and seasoned bread crumbs helps create a crispy and flavorful coating. Be sure to spray the baking sheet and onion rings with olive oil cooking spray to help them brown evenly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve New England Baked Onion Rings as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats. They also make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the onion rings in the oven helps create a crispy texture without the need for frying. This method is healthier and reduces the amount of oil used in the recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk or a mixture of milk and vinegar as a substitute. You can also use panko breadcrumbs instead of seasoned bread crumbs for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the coated onion rings in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes it easy to have a quick and delicious side dish on hand for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve New England Baked Onion Rings on a platter with a side of dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or ketchup. Garnish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair New England Baked Onion Rings with a juicy steak, grilled chicken, or seafood for a satisfying and well-balanced meal. They also go well with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover onion rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for a few minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of New England Baked Onion Rings contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of New England Baked Onion Rings contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of New England Baked Onion Rings contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of New England Baked Onion Rings contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Onions are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (buttermilk) and gluten (all-purpose flour, bread crumbs). It may not be suitable for individuals with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

New England Baked Onion Rings are a tasty and nutritious side dish that is relatively low in calories and fat. They provide a good source of carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

New England Baked Onion Rings are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried onion rings. With a crispy coating and flavorful seasoning, these rings make the perfect side dish or snack for any occasion. Enjoy the taste of New England with this easy and satisfying recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for New England Baked Onion Rings. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl helping out in my aunt's bustling kitchen. My aunt was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and one day, she decided to teach me the secret to making the perfect onion rings.

I watched intently as she peeled and sliced the onions, carefully dipping them in a mixture of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before baking them to crispy perfection in the oven. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

As soon as the onion rings were out of the oven, my aunt placed them on a platter and handed me one to try. The first bite was a revelation – the onions were sweet and tender, the coating was crunchy and flavorful, and I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I honed my skills and perfected the recipe for New England Baked Onion Rings. I experimented with different seasonings and coatings, adding my own touch to make them truly unique. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about the delicious crunch and flavor of my onion rings.

One day, while visiting a quaint little town in New England, I stumbled upon a small diner that served the most amazing onion rings I had ever tasted. I struck up a conversation with the owner, a friendly elderly woman who had been running the diner for decades.

I told her about my own recipe for New England Baked Onion Rings, and she smiled knowingly. "Ah, the secret to a good onion ring is in the baking," she said. "You have to cook them just right to get that perfect crunch."

She invited me into her kitchen, where she showed me her own method for making onion rings. She used a combination of panko breadcrumbs and cornmeal for a lighter, crispier coating, and she added a dash of paprika for a hint of spice.

I tried her recipe and was blown away by the results. The onion rings were truly the best I had ever tasted – light and crispy on the outside, with sweet, tender onions on the inside. I knew then that I had found the missing ingredient that would take my own recipe to the next level.

I returned home and immediately set to work in my own kitchen, combining the best of both recipes to create my own version of New England Baked Onion Rings. I shared the recipe with my family and friends, who were amazed by the depth of flavor and perfect texture of the onion rings.

To this day, whenever I make New England Baked Onion Rings, I think back to that fateful day in the diner kitchen, where I learned the secret to making the best onion rings of my life. I am forever grateful to that kind woman for sharing her recipe with me, and I will continue to pass it down through the generations, ensuring that the tradition of delicious, homemade onion rings lives on.