Pin It 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 holiday gathering, and everyone kept asking for seconds. The buttery aroma while roasting was irresistible, and it proved to be a comforting addition to our meal.
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 (optional garnish): 2 tbsp chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prep Onions:
- Trim just the root ends and tops so each onion sits flat, leaving their 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 Aromatics:
- Press 1 tbsp butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top of each onion.
- Wrap and Roast:
- Wrap each onion tightly in foil and set on a baking sheet. Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes, until very tender.
- Serve:
- Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and transfer to plates. Spoon melted butter from foil over onions. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Pin It This dish became a family favorite for Sunday dinners: my little one loves peeling the sweet onion layers, and we swap stories while enjoying every buttery bite.
Serving Suggestions
Try with roast meats, grilled vegetables, or as a hearty vegetarian main with crusty bread and a salad.
Flavor Variations
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika before wrapping for extra depth and complexity in the finished dish.
Kitchen Tools Needed
You only need a baking sheet, heavy-duty foil, paring knife, and oven: simple tools for delicious results.
Pin It Onion Boil is the kind of comforting side that brings everyone together. Once you taste its gentle sweetness, you'll return to this recipe often!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of onions work best for this preparation?
Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal since their natural sugars caramelize during roasting, enhancing flavor and texture.
- → Why wrap the onions in foil before roasting?
Foil traps steam and moisture, helping the onions cook evenly and become meltingly tender while infusing the butter and herbs.
- → Can I add other seasonings to enhance flavor?
Yes, try additions like balsamic vinegar or smoked paprika for a subtle tang or smoky depth to complement the onions.
- → How do I tell when the onions are done roasting?
The onions are ready when a knife pierces easily and the layers feel soft and fully cooked inside.
- → Are there suitable butter substitutes for dairy-free versions?
Vegan butter or olive oil can replace unsalted butter to maintain richness while accommodating dietary preferences.