What type of onion works best for roasting?

Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal due to their natural sweetness and tenderness when roasted.

How do you know when the onions are fully cooked?

The onions are done when they are very tender to the touch and easily pierced with a knife, typically after about 1 hour 10 minutes at 400°F.

Yes, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the onions.

Keeping the skins on helps retain moisture and ensures the onions become meltingly soft during roasting.

For dairy-free options, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil to maintain richness.

A sweet, tender Vidalia onion roasted whole until meltingly soft, with aromatic herbs and butter: a simple yet elegant side dish.

I first made this for a family gathering and watched everyone marvel at how a simple onion could taste so luxurious.

Prepare Oven:: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Trim Onions:: Trim 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 Aromatics:: Press 1 tbsp butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top of each onion.
Wrap and Bake:: Wrap each onion tightly in foil and set on a baking sheet.
Roast:: Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes, until onions are very tender when pierced.
Finish and Serve:: Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and transfer to serving plates. Spoon over any melted butter and sprinkle with parsley, if desired.

My kids love helping to press the butter and herbs into the onions: it's become our cozy weekend tradition.

Serve alongside roast meats, grilled vegetables, or as a vegetarian main with crusty bread.

Baking sheet, heavy-duty aluminum foil, paring knife, oven

Contains dairy: substitute with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free alternative and always check labels for allergens.

Enjoy this simple yet impressive side: it transforms humble onions into something truly memorable at your table.

→ What type of onion works best for roasting?: Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal due to their natural sweetness and tenderness when roasted.
→ How do you know when the onions are fully cooked?: The onions are done when they are very tender to the touch and easily pierced with a knife, typically after about 1 hour 10 minutes at 400°F.
→ Can I add extra flavors during roasting?: Yes, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika enhances the depth of flavor without overpowering the onions.
→ Is it necessary to keep the onion skins on while roasting?: Keeping the skins on helps retain moisture and ensures the onions become meltingly soft during roasting.
→ What alternatives are there for butter in this dish?: For dairy-free options, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil to maintain richness.