Save 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 weekend family dinner and was amazed at how such simple ingredients created a memorable flavor. It has since become our go-to side for holiday gatherings and comfort meals.
Ingredients
- Vidalia onions: 4 large, unpeeled
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
- Fresh thyme: 4 sprigs
- Garlic: 4 cloves, peeled
- Kosher salt: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- 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 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.
- Stuff with 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.
- Bake:
- Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes, until the onions are very tender when pierced with a knife.
- Finish and Serve:
- Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and transfer to plates. Spoon over any melted butter from the foil and sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Save My kids always love unwrapping their own onion parcels at the table. It brings a bit of fun to family meals and everyone can add their favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy Onion Boil as a side to roast meats, grilled vegetables, or even as a simple vegetarian main with crusty bread.
Flavor Variations
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth. Chopped fresh rosemary or sage gives seasonal flair.
Nutrition Highlights
Each serving has about 130 calories, 7 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein, making this a light yet satisfying option.
Save This classic onion boil is so fuss-free that you will come back to it again and again. Make it your own with favorite herbs for a comforting side everyone loves.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of onion is best for roasting?
Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui work best due to their mild and rich flavor, which becomes tender and caramelized when roasted.
- → Why do you wrap the onions in foil?
Wrapping in foil traps steam and moisture, allowing the onions to soften evenly and remain juicy throughout the roasting process.
- → Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil to maintain richness without dairy.
- → How do you know when the onions are cooked?
The onions should be very tender when pierced with a knife and nearly melting in texture, usually after about 1 hour and 10 minutes at 400°F.
- → What herbs enhance the roasted onions?
Fresh thyme adds a fragrant, earthy aroma that complements the sweetness of the onions perfectly.
- → Are there serving suggestions?
This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian option.