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Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Featured in: Home Comforts

This dish features whole Vidalia onions roasted until tender and sweet, infused with butter, thyme, and garlic. Wrapped in foil and slow-cooked to a melting texture, the onions develop a rich flavor perfect for pairing with many meals. Simple preparation and oven roasting yield an elegant, aromatic side that highlights the natural sweetness of the onions. Garnish with fresh parsley to add freshness and complexity.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:37:00 GMT
Steaming hot Onion Boil, glistening with butter and herbs, ready for a comforting side. Save
Steaming hot Onion Boil, glistening with butter and herbs, ready for a comforting side. | snacksplat.com

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

I first tried roasting whole onions for a holiday dinner: my family was amazed at how savory and rich they became. Now, this onion boil makes frequent appearances on our table and never fails to impress.

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
  • Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, optional garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Onions:
Trim just the root ends and tops of each onion so they sit flat, leaving skins on.
Score X:
Use a paring knife to cut a shallow X into the top of each onion.
Season Onions:
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 & Roast:
Wrap each onion tightly in foil and set on a baking sheet.
Roast:
Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes, until the onions are very tender when pierced with a knife.
Finish & Serve:
Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and transfer to serving plates. Spoon over any melted butter from the foil. Sprinkle with parsley, if desired.
Golden-brown Onion Boil with softened layers, featuring fragrant roasted thyme and meltingly sweet onion. Save
Golden-brown Onion Boil with softened layers, featuring fragrant roasted thyme and meltingly sweet onion. | snacksplat.com

My kids love unwrapping their own little foil packages of warm, buttery onions: it makes dinner feel fun and special.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these roasted onions with roast meats, grilled vegetables, or serve as a vegetarian main with crusty bread: their sweet flavor complements many dishes.

Flavor Variations

Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika before roasting for extra depth and complexity.

Nutrition

Each serving contains about 130 calories, 7 g total fat, 19 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein: a light and nutritious side option.

This close-up shows a perfectly roasted Onion Boil, offering savory, simple, and flavorful perfection. Save
This close-up shows a perfectly roasted Onion Boil, offering savory, simple, and flavorful perfection. | snacksplat.com

This dish is a guaranteed hit: simple preparation with delicious results.

Recipe Guide

→ What makes Vidalia onions ideal for roasting?

Vidalia onions are naturally sweet and tender, which enhances their flavor when slow roasted to develop a soft, caramelized texture.

→ Why roast onions with their skins on?

Keeping the skins on helps retain moisture and protects the onions during roasting, resulting in a tender interior.

→ Can other onion varieties be used instead?

Yes, sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui are good substitutes, offering similar sweetness and texture when roasted.

→ What role does foil wrapping play in this method?

Wrapping onions tightly in foil traps steam and heat, promoting even cooking and preventing drying out.

→ How can flavors be enhanced further?

Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika before roasting deepens the flavor profile.

→ Is this dish suitable for dietary restrictions?

It’s vegetarian and gluten-free. For dairy-free needs, substitute butter with vegan alternatives or olive oil.

Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Tender Vidalia onions slow roasted with butter and thyme for a flavorful, melt-in-mouth side dish.

Prep duration
10 min
Kitchen time
70 min
Complete duration
80 min
Created by Katie Miller


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-free, No gluten

What you'll need

Main

01 4 large Vidalia onions, unpeeled

Seasoning and 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

Method

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare Onions: Trim the root ends and tops of each onion so they sit flat, keeping the skins intact.

Step 03

Score Onions: Cut a shallow X into the top of each onion using a paring knife.

Step 04

Season Onions: Place each onion on a heavy-duty foil square. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper.

Step 05

Add Butter and Aromatics: Press 1 tablespoon butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top of each onion.

Step 06

Wrap and Roast: Wrap each onion tightly in foil and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast for 1 hour and 10 minutes, until tender.

Step 07

Serve: Carefully unwrap, peel off the skins, transfer to plates, spoon any melted butter over, and garnish with parsley if desired.

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains dairy; butter can be substituted with vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free diets.

Nutrient breakdown (each portion)

Numbers shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 130
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 2 g