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Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Featured in: Dinner Crunch

This dish highlights the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions, slow-roasted whole in their skins with butter, thyme, and garlic. Wrapped tightly in foil, the onions become incredibly tender and aromatic after over an hour in the oven. Once unwrapped and peeled, they can be enjoyed simply as a side that complements meats, vegetables, or stand alone with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:38:00 GMT
Juicy, roasted onion boil with tender, caramelized layers, herbs, and melted butter—a perfect side. Save
Juicy, roasted onion boil with tender, caramelized layers, herbs, and melted butter—a perfect side. | kookycrunch.com

A sweet, tender Vidalia onion roasted whole until meltingly soft, with aromatic herbs and butter: a simple yet elegant side dish. Perfect for a comforting family meal or to impress at a dinner gathering, this dish brings out the natural sweetness of onions with minimal effort.

I first made Onion Boil when experimenting with easy sides for holiday dinners. The aroma that filled the kitchen as the onions roasted was wonderful, and everyone loved how soft and flavorful they became.

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: 1⁄2 tsp
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare onions:
Trim root ends and tops to help onions sit flat, leaving skins on.
Score tops:
Cut a shallow X into the top of each onion with a paring knife.
Season:
Place each onion on foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add aromatics:
Press 1 tbsp butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the top of each onion.
Wrap and roast:
Wrap tightly in foil, put on a baking sheet, and roast for 1 hour 10 minutes until tender.
Finish and serve:
Carefully unwrap, remove skins, transfer onions to plates. Spoon over melted butter from foil and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Tender, whole onion boil with meltingly soft sweetness: a vegetarian feast with fresh herbs and garlic. Save
Tender, whole onion boil with meltingly soft sweetness: a vegetarian feast with fresh herbs and garlic. | kookycrunch.com

This dish quickly became a family favorite, and my kids now request it any time we have roast chicken or grilled veggies. The simple preparation makes it easy to enjoy together.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Calories: 130, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 19 g, Protein: 2 g (per serving)

Allergen Information

Contains dairy. To make dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Always check ingredient labels for any hidden allergens.

Golden-brown onion boil, glistening with butter, offering a savory aroma, ready for a delicious side. Save
Golden-brown onion boil, glistening with butter, offering a savory aroma, ready for a delicious side. | kookycrunch.com

Try Onion Boil for your next meal: it's a fuss-free recipe that delivers delicious, buttery onions every time. Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

Recipe FAQ

→ What onions work best for this preparation?

Sweet onions like Vidalia are ideal due to their mild flavor, but Walla Walla or Maui onions make excellent substitutes.

→ How do I know when the onions are done roasting?

They are ready when a knife pierces effortlessly and the texture is meltingly soft inside.

→ Can I add other seasonings to enhance flavor?

Yes, a splash of balsamic vinegar or smoked paprika can add a subtle depth without overpowering the sweetness.

→ Is it necessary to keep the skins on during baking?

Keeping the skins on helps the onions steam and retain moisture, resulting in tender flesh.

→ What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or enjoy as a comforting vegetarian side with crusty bread.

Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Melted Vidalia onions roasted with butter and fresh herbs for a tender, flavorful side dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
70 min
Complete duration
80 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Main

01 4 large Vidalia onions, unpeeled

Seasoning & Aromatics

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 4 sprigs fresh thyme
03 4 cloves garlic, peeled
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Phase 02

Prepare Onions: Trim the root ends and tops of each onion so they sit flat, keeping skins intact. Cut a shallow X into the top of each onion using a paring knife.

Phase 03

Season and Wrap: Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Insert 1 tablespoon butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top of each onion. Wrap tightly in foil and place on a baking sheet.

Phase 04

Roast Onions: Roast in the oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until onions are tender when pierced with a knife.

Phase 05

Serve: Carefully unwrap the onions, remove skins, and transfer to serving plates. Spoon any melted butter from the foil over the onions and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

  • Baking sheet
  • Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  • Paring knife
  • Oven

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains dairy (butter). Substitute with vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free option.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 130
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 2 g