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Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Featured in: Comfort Food Classics

Experience sweet Vidalia onions roasted whole until soft and meltingly tender. Infused with fresh thyme, garlic, and rich butter, this elegant side highlights the natural sweetness of the onions. The onions are wrapped in foil and slow-cooked to bring out deep, aromatic flavors. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness before serving. Perfect alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a comforting addition to any meal.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:33:00 GMT
Golden, roasted onion boil with tender layers, herbs, and glistening melted butter. Save
Golden, roasted onion boil with tender layers, herbs, and glistening melted butter. | nibbromeals.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 whole roasted onions for a family dinner and was amazed by how their flavor transformed. The buttery herbs make each bite irresistibly rich and comforting.

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
  • Fresh parsley (optional): 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare onions:
Trim the root ends and tops of onions so they sit flat, keeping the skins on.
Cut tops:
Use a paring knife to cut a shallow X into the top of each onion.
Season:
Place each onion on a piece of 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 and place on a baking sheet. Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes until tender.
Finish and serve:
Unwrap, remove skins, and transfer to plates. Spoon over melted butter, sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Close-up photo of a savory onion boil, showing the soft, caramelized onion and thyme sprigs. Save
Close-up photo of a savory onion boil, showing the soft, caramelized onion and thyme sprigs. | nibbromeals.com

My family always requests these buttery onions at holiday meals: they remind us of how simple ingredients can taste incredibly special together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the onions as a flavorful side with roast meat, alongside grilled vegetables, or as a vegetarian main with crusty bread.

Allergen Swaps

For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter or olive oil and always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Info

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

Enjoy a comforting American-style onion boil; the sweet, meltingly soft onions are delightful. Save
Enjoy a comforting American-style onion boil; the sweet, meltingly soft onions are delightful. | nibbromeals.com

Try these roasted onions next time you want a restaurant-worthy side dish: their sweet and savory flavor will impress.

Common recipe questions

→ What type of onions work best for roasting?

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

→ Why wrap the onions in foil before roasting?

Wrapping in foil traps moisture, helping the onions cook evenly and become meltingly soft while retaining their flavor.

→ Can I add extra flavors to the roasted onions?

Absolutely! A splash of balsamic vinegar, smoked paprika, or additional fresh herbs can enhance the flavor.

→ Is it necessary to peel the onions before roasting?

No, roasting with skins on helps protect the onions and keep them tender during cooking.

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

The onions are ready when they feel very soft to the touch and a knife pierces them easily without resistance.

Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Whole Vidalia onions roasted with herbs and butter to a tender, flavorful finish.

Time to prep
10 minutes
Time to cook
70 minutes
Overall time
80 minutes
Creator Ethan Cole


Level of difficulty Easy

Cuisine type American

Serves 4 Number of servings

Nutrition info Meatless, No gluten

Ingredient list

Main

01 4 large Vidalia onions, unpeeled

Seasoning and Aromatics

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 4 sprigs fresh thyme
03 4 garlic cloves, peeled
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Cooking steps

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare Onions: Trim the root ends and tops of each onion just enough to stabilize them, 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 square of heavy-duty foil and 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 very tender.

Step 07

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

Kitchen tools

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

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Unsure? Talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Contains dairy - butter. For dairy-free alternatives, substitute with vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition details per serving

Details are shared for reference only. Reach out to your doctor with any health questions.
  • Energy (calories): 130
  • Total fat: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Protein content: 2 grams