Pin A sweet, tender Vidalia onion roasted whole until meltingly soft, with aromatic herbs and butter—a simple yet elegant side dish.
I first made Onion Boil for a family dinner when I wanted something cozy and easy yet special enough for guests. The aroma while roasting is absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
- Vidalia onions: 4 large, unpeeled (or sweet onions)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Fresh thyme: 4 sprigs
- Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: ½ tsp, freshly ground
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep Onions:
- Trim just the root ends and tops of each onion so they sit flat, leaving skins on.
- Score Tops:
- Use a paring knife to cut a shallow X into the top of each onion.
- Season:
- Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Add Herbs & Butter:
- Press 1 tbsp butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top of each onion.
- Wrap:
- Wrap each onion tightly in foil and set on a baking sheet.
- Roast:
- Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes, until the onions are very tender when pierced with a knife.
- Serve:
- Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and transfer to serving plates. Spoon over any melted butter from the foil. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Pin My kids love helping me unwrap the warm, steaming onions, and it always feels like opening a flavorful present for dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this elegant roasted onion alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or as a vegetarian centerpiece with crusty bread and salad.
Variations
For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika before roasting. Try different sweet onion varieties if Vidalia is unavailable.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
Contains dairy. Substitute vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free option. Each serving: 130 calories, 7 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.
Pin For a truly memorable meal, let everyone open their baked onion at the table—the aroma is part of the magic.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of onions work best for this dish?
Sweet large onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal because of their mild, natural sweetness and tender texture when roasted.
- → Why are the onions roasted unpeeled?
Roasting with the skins intact helps the onions retain moisture and steam gently, resulting in tender, meltingly soft layers inside.
- → Can I add other seasonings besides thyme and garlic?
Yes, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor without overpowering the onion’s natural sweetness.
- → How do I know when the onions are done roasting?
The onions are ready when a knife pierces effortlessly and the layers are soft and tender all the way through.
- → What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve alongside roast meats, grilled vegetables, or simply with crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil to keep the dish dairy-free without losing richness.