Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

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

Rinse produce, clean cookware, and fill pots smoothly with flexible spray options for everyday cooking.

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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.

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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.

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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.

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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.