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Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Featured in: Everyday Country Recipes

This dish features whole Vidalia onions roasted slowly at 400°F with butter, fresh thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper. Wrapped tightly in foil, the onions become meltingly soft and infused with aromatic flavors. After roasting, skins are removed and the tender onions are served with the melted butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Perfect as a simple and elegant side that complements a variety of dishes.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:15:00 GMT
Golden-brown Onion Boil with softened layers, herbs, and melty butter, ready to serve alongside a meal. Save
Golden-brown Onion Boil with softened layers, herbs, and melty butter, ready to serve alongside a meal. | cloverhearth.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 this with farm-stand Vidalia onions one summer evening, and was amazed by how the slow roasting brought out their natural sweetness and aroma. Ever since, it&s become a go-to for family dinners and holiday feasts.

Ingredients

  • Vidalia onions: 4 large, unpeeled (or other sweet onions)
  • 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 (optional garnish): 2 tbsp

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Trim onions:
Trim just the root ends and tops so onions sit flat, leaving skins on.
Score onions:
With a paring knife, cut a shallow X in the top of each onion.
Season:
Place onions on squares of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle each 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 and roast:
Wrap tightly in foil and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast for 1 hour 10 minutes until very tender.
Finish and serve:
Carefully unwrap, remove skins, and plate. Spoon over any melted butter and sprinkle parsley if using.
Tender and fragrant Onion Boil, baked to perfection, with bubbling butter and thyme nestled inside each onion. Save
Tender and fragrant Onion Boil, baked to perfection, with bubbling butter and thyme nestled inside each onion. | cloverhearth.com

This roasted onion dish earned its place during our Sunday dinners, always vanishing quickly among the kids and grandparents. The aroma fills the house and sparks conversation every time it emerges from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side to roast chicken, grilled vegetables, or enjoy as a main for vegetarian meals with some crusty bread.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Try Walla Walla or Maui onions instead of Vidalia, or add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.

Nutrition & Allergens

Per serving: 130 calories, 7 g fat, 19 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein. Contains dairy (butter): for dairy-free, use vegan butter or olive oil.

Picture this: a piping-hot plate of Onion Boil, glistening with butter and fresh parsley, a cozy side. Save
Picture this: a piping-hot plate of Onion Boil, glistening with butter and fresh parsley, a cozy side. | cloverhearth.com

Roasted Vidalia onions are a surprising crowd-pleaser with minimal effort. Make extra: leftovers are delicious in salads, sandwiches, or reheated the next day.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What type of onions work best for this dish?

Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal as they roast to a tender, caramelized finish.

→ Can I prepare the onions without foil?

Foil helps trap moisture and flavors during roasting, but an oven-safe covered dish can be used as an alternative.

→ How do you know when the onions are done?

They are done when a knife pierces through easily and the texture is soft and melting.

→ What herbs complement roasted onions well?

Fresh thyme enhances the sweetness, but rosemary or sage can also add aromatic depth.

→ Can I add extra flavorings?

A splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika can be added before roasting for additional complexity.

Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast

Whole Vidalia onions roasted with aromatic herbs and butter until tender and flavorful.

Prep duration
10 minutes
Cook duration
70 minutes
Overall time
80 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American

Servings made 4 Portion size

Diet preferences Meatless, No gluten

What you'll need

Main

01 4 large Vidalia onions, unpeeled

Seasoning & Aromatics

01 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 4 sprigs fresh thyme
03 4 garlic cloves, peeled
04 1 teaspoon kosher salt
05 ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Garnish

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

How to make it

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Step 02

Prepare Onions: Trim the root ends and tops of the onions to create flat surfaces, keeping the skins intact.

Step 03

Score Onions: Make a shallow X-shaped incision on the top of each onion with a paring knife.

Step 04

Season and Stuff: Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle each with salt and pepper, then press 1 tablespoon butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut top.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Unwrap and Serve: Carefully remove onions from foil, peel off skins, and transfer to plates. Drizzle with melted butter from the foil and garnish with parsley if desired.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy from butter. For dairy-free, substitute with vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 130
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams