Save to Pinterest A sweet, tender Vidalia onion roasted whole until meltingly soft, with aromatic herbs and butter: a simple yet elegant side dish.
I first made these onions for a summer dinner when Vidalias were at their best and everyone loved how rich and comforting they tasted. Roasting really transforms the onion into something special, with almost no effort.
Ingredients
- Vidalia onions: Unpeeled, large, sweet variety (or substitute Walla Walla, Maui)
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to each onion
- Fresh thyme: Aromatic herbal flavor
- Garlic: Whole peeled cloves, nestled in the onion
- Kosher salt: For seasoning
- Freshly ground black pepper: For a bit of sharpness
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, as optional garnish
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim & Cut:
- Trim just the root ends and tops of each onion to sit flat, leaving skins on. Cut a shallow X into the top.
- Assembly:
- Place each onion on foil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then press butter, thyme, and garlic into the cut top.
- Wrapping:
- Wrap each onion tightly in foil. Set on a baking sheet.
- Roasting:
- Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. Onions are ready when very tender when pierced.
- Serving:
- Carefully unwrap, remove skins, transfer to plates. Spoon melted butter from foil and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest My family always asks for these at holidays, and it's become our go-to for potlucks: even onion skeptics love their mellow flavor and creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these roasted onions alongside grilled meats, roast chicken, or as the center of a vegetarian plate with crusty bread. Their sweetness pairs beautifully with hearty mains.
Flavor Variations
Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting or a pinch of smoked paprika to the butter for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition & Allergens
Each serving has about 130 calories, 7 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein. Contains dairy: substitute vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free diets.
Save to Pinterest 
Save to Pinterest These onions are as impressive as they are easy: let the oven do the work and enjoy a sweet, savory side at any gathering.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prepare the onions for roasting?
Trim the root ends and tops so onions sit flat, leave skins on, and make a shallow X cut on top to help seasoning penetrate.
- → What herbs complement roasted Vidalia onions?
Fresh thyme pairs beautifully, adding an aromatic herbal note that enhances the onion’s natural sweetness.
- → Can I substitute Vidalia onions with other types?
Yes, Walla Walla or Maui onions work well due to their similar sweetness and texture.
- → What’s the best way to cook the onions evenly?
Wrapping each onion tightly in foil before roasting ensures moisture retention and even cooking until soft.
- → Are there flavorful add-ons I can try?
Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika before roasting can deepen the flavor profile.
- → How to adapt this dish for dairy-free diets?
Substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter or olive oil to make it dairy-free without sacrificing richness.