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Baked onions might be the most underrated side dish of all time. Fresh onion bulbs turn into melt-in-your-mouth, caramelized deliciousness (all in under an hour!). And with just 4 ingredients, this easy, hands-off recipe is a guaranteed winner.
save this recipe!Your New Go-To Way To Eat Onions
Baked onions might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a side dish, but trust me—they’re about to become your new obsession. Pop them in the oven, and they transform into sweet, caramelized, creamy perfection (seriously, how did I not try these sooner?).
In as little as 30 minutes, you’ll have a veggie-forward recipe that pairs surprisingly well with everything, from Mediterranean roasted vegetables to roasted broccoli with lemon.
Whether you have a bagful of onions or just a few leftovers from last night’s dinner prep, this recipe will help you achieve that perfect balance of flavor and crisp, caramelized goodness. Once you’ve tried baked onions, there’s no going back!
Here’s What You’ll Need
Baked onions require very little in the ingredient department. Jump down to the recipe card for exact measurements!
- Onions: Feel free to use any type of onion here, but red and sweet white onions work particularly well due to their natural sweetness.
- Olive Oil: We’ll add a touch of olive oil to help the onions caramelize and become nice and sweet. (You could also use another high-heat oil, like avocado or grapeseed oil.)
- Salt: To bring out the onions’ natural taste, we’ll just need a little salt! You can add some cracked black pepper for a kick. Or, try smoked or herb-infused sea salt!
- Herbs: To add more flavor, experiment with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano (grab our guide to types of herbs here 👈).
Which onion is best?
Each type of onion comes with its own flair and flavor characteristics. The variety you go with will be based on personal preference (or just what you have on hand!).
- Red onions have a milder and slightly sweet taste with a hint of spiciness. They retain their vibrant purple color when roasted and develop a mellow flavor.
- White onions have a mild and slightly sweet flavor. When roasted, they develop a soft, delicate texture with a subtle caramelized sweetness.
- Yellow onions have a stronger and more robust flavor than white onions. When roasted, they become sweeter and develop a rich caramelized flavor.
Let’s Bake onions!
It couldn’t be easier to make these baked onions! This is only an overview of the steps. For the full printable recipe, jump to the recipe card.
Step 1: Slice The Onions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel and slice your onions, then arrange them on a baking sheet or casserole dish in a single layer.
Step 2: Season The Slices
Brush the onions with olive oil. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs you’d like to use.
Step 3: Bake The Onions
Cook the slices in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes until they are tender and nicely caramelized.
Recipe tips
Similar Size: For the best results, try using onions that are all the same size. (This helps them bake to the same tenderness.)
Ample Seasonings: Salt is your friend here! It helps draw out the onions’ natural sweetness, so be generous.
Don’t Overcrowd: To achieve that beautifully caramelized exterior, avoid crowding the onions on your baking tray. If you place them too close together, you’ll end up with steamed onions rather than caramelized ones.
These Pair Well With
If you’re unsure what to serve with your baked onions, here are a few of our favorite ideas to get you started!
- Mushroom Meatloaf: Keep dinner meat-free with this hearty, savory meatloaf (that happens to be ridiculously easy to whip up!).
- Vegan Garlic Bread: Use a slice (or two) to soak up every last drop of the flavorful onion juices.
- Crispy Air Fried Tofu: Round out your meal with this protein-packed, ultra-crispy main dish.
Easy Caramelized Roasted Onions
Ingredients
- 4 medium onions, red, white, or yellow
- 4 Tbsp olive oil , 60 mL
- salt and pepper, to taste
- herbs, rosemary, thyme, parsley, etc.
Instructions
- Prep Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking pan with aluminum foil.
- Prep Onions: Slice off each end of the onions. Cut the onions in half. Peel off the outer layers of the onions. Arrange the onions in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. The onions should fit comfortably without being crowded.
- Season: Brush each half with olive oil. You can use a brush or your fingers to ensure the oil covers the entire surface. Season the onions generously with salt (and pepper if you'd like). If you're using herbs, sprinkle them over the onions now.
- Bake: Bake the onions for 40 to 45 minutes until they're tender and caramelized. Once done, remove the onions from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information calculated by Sarah Bond, degreed nutritionist.
did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag @liveeatlearn on social media! I love seeing what you’ve made!
