Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Featured in: Southern Comfort

This dish features whole Vidalia onions roasted slowly in butter, fresh thyme, and garlic, creating a tender and sweet profile. The onions are wrapped in foil and baked at 400°F until meltingly soft. Once cooked, the skins are removed, and the flavorful juices are spooned over the onions. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds brightness. Perfect as a simple yet elegant side, it complements a variety of meals and suits vegetarian and gluten-free diets.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:26:00 GMT
Golden, glistening roasted Onion Boil, bursting with thyme and butter, ready to serve as a side. Save
Golden, glistening roasted Onion Boil, bursting with thyme and butter, ready to serve as a side. | epicurestates.com

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

I first made this Onion Boil for a cozy family dinner, and it won everyone's hearts with its incredible aroma and buttery texture.

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 your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Trim Onions:
Trim just the root ends and tops so onions sit flat, leaving skins on.
Core & Season:
Cut a shallow X into the top of each onion. Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add Flavorings:
Press 1 tbsp butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top of each onion.
Wrap & Bake:
Wrap each onion tightly in foil and set on a baking sheet. Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes, until onions are very tender.
Finish & Serve:
Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and transfer to plates. Spoon over any melted butter from the foil and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Fork-tender Onion Boil, wrapped in foil, infused with garlic and herbs after slow roasting. Save
Fork-tender Onion Boil, wrapped in foil, infused with garlic and herbs after slow roasting. | epicurestates.com

We shared this dish around the table last Sunday, and even the kids couldn't resist the savory sweetness wrapped inside each onion.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these roasted onions with grilled meat, serve alongside roasted vegetables, or enjoy as a main course with crusty bread.

Ingredient Swaps

Try a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor. Maui or Walla Walla onions are also great substitutions.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy from butter. Substitute with vegan butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version, and always check labels carefully.

Steaming plate of Onion Boil, fragrant and savory, showcasing the melted butter sauce beautifully. Save
Steaming plate of Onion Boil, fragrant and savory, showcasing the melted butter sauce beautifully. | epicurestates.com

This Onion Boil is sure to impress at any meal. Enjoy the subtle sweetness and rich aroma in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

What type of onions work best for this dish?

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

How do I know when the onions are fully cooked?

The onions are done when they become very tender and can be easily pierced with a knife, typically after about 1 hour 10 minutes roasting.

Can I add other seasonings to enhance flavor?

Yes, options like balsamic vinegar or smoked paprika can be added before roasting to add depth and a hint of smokiness.

Is it necessary to keep the onion skins on during cooking?

Keeping the skins on helps retain moisture and softness inside. They should be removed after roasting before serving.

What are good serving suggestions for this side?

These roasted onions pair well with grilled vegetables, roast meats, or can accompany a vegetarian main with crusty bread.

Are there dairy-free alternatives for the butter used?

Yes, vegan butter or olive oil can be substituted to accommodate dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Whole Vidalia onion baked until soft, accented with butter, thyme, and garlic for rich, aromatic flavor.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
70 min
Complete duration
80 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary 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 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Phase 02

Prepare Onions: Trim the roots and tops of each onion just enough so they sit flat, keeping the skins intact.

Phase 03

Score Onions: Use a paring knife to cut a shallow X into the top of each onion.

Phase 04

Season Onions: Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Phase 05

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

Phase 06

Wrap Onions: Wrap each onion tightly in foil and arrange them on a baking sheet.

Phase 07

Roast: Cook in the oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes until the onions are soft when pierced with a knife.

Phase 08

Serve: Carefully unwrap the onions, discard skins, and transfer to plates. Spoon over any melted butter and garnish with parsley if desired.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from butter. Use vegan butter or olive oil for dairy-free alternatives.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are offered as a general guide and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 130
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Protein: 2 g