Save to Pinterest A sweet, tender Vidalia onion roasted whole until meltingly soft, with aromatic herbs and butter: a simple yet elegant side dish.
The first time I tried this recipe, the aroma filled my kitchen and everyone eagerly gathered around the oven. The onions were so soft and buttery that even the pickiest eaters asked for seconds.
Ingredients
- Vidalia onions: 4 large, unpeeled (or other sweet onions)
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Fresh thyme: 4 sprigs
- Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Fresh parsley: 2 tbsp chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the root ends and the tops of each onion so they sit flat, leaving skins on.
- Score & Season:
- Use a paring knife to cut a shallow X into the top of each onion. Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Stuff Aromatics:
- Press 1 tbsp butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top of each onion.
- Wrap & Bake:
- Wrap each onion tightly in foil and set on a baking sheet. Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes, until very tender.
- Finish & Serve:
- Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and transfer onions to serving plates. Spoon over melted butter from the foil. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest Whenever I make Onion Boil for dinner, my family looks forward to it as the perfect side for Sunday roast. Watching everyone savor each bite is a memory I cherish.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these onions with grilled vegetables, roast meats, or as a vegetarian main with crusty bread and a light salad.
Recipe Variations
Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika before roasting for extra depth. Substitute with Walla Walla or Maui onions if Vidalia is unavailable.
Special Diets
To make this dairy-free, use vegan butter or olive oil instead. This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
Save to Pinterest This dish brings out the best in sweet onions. Serve it warm to enjoy maximum flavor and comfort.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of onions work best for roasting?
Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal for roasting due to their natural sugar content and tender texture.
- → How do you know when the onions are fully roasted?
They should be very soft and easily pierced with a knife, meltingly tender inside after roasting about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- → Can I add other herbs or seasonings?
Yes, besides thyme and garlic, options like smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar enhance the flavor profile.
- → Should the onions be peeled before roasting?
No, leaving the skins on helps retain moisture and flavor during roasting; skins are removed after cooking.
- → What cooking tools are recommended?
Use heavy-duty foil to wrap each onion, a baking sheet for placement, a paring knife for cutting, and a reliable oven set to 400°F.