Are you tired of boring side dishes that blend into the background? Get ready to transform your meal with the most unexpectedly delicious recipe that will make you wonder why you haven't been making baked onions all along! These golden-brown, herb-infused onions are about to become your new obsession, turning a humble vegetable into a show-stopping side dish that will have your family and guests begging for more.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large onions
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
- Carefully peel the outer papery skin from the large onions, keeping the root end intact to help the onion hold its shape during baking.
- Trim about 1/4 inch off the top of each onion and a small slice from the bottom to help them sit flat on the baking sheet.
- Using a sharp knife, make a shallow cross-cut on the top of each onion, cutting about halfway down without separating the layers.
- Place the prepared onions on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the onions, ensuring they are well coated. Use your hands to massage the oil into the onions, covering all surfaces.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and garlic powder over the onions, making sure to get the seasoning into the cuts and crevices.
- If using fresh herbs, finely chop thyme or rosemary and sprinkle over the onions for additional flavor.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown, tender, and slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow the onions to soften and absorb the remaining juices.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired. The onions can be enjoyed whole or gently pulled apart to reveal their tender, flavorful interior.
Tips
- Choose the Right Onions: Select large, firm onions with tight, smooth skin for the best results. Sweet varieties like Vidalia work wonderfully for this recipe.
- Prep is Key: Keep the root end intact while peeling to help the onion maintain its shape during baking.
- Seasoning Hack: Don't be shy with your seasonings! Massage the olive oil and spices into the onion's cuts to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Herb Enhancement: Fresh herbs make a world of difference. If possible, use fresh thyme or rosemary rather than dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor profile.
- Watch the Caramelization: Keep an eye on the onions in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while achieving that perfect golden-brown color.
- Serving Suggestion: These baked onions are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a side dish, chop them into salads, or use as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Tip: While best served fresh, you can prepare the onions earlier in the day and reheat them in the oven for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 140kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
