Description
This Onion Boil Recipe features whole sweet onions slow-baked in foil with butter, olive oil, and a blend of spices. The onions become tender and flavorful, infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and optional Cajun heat, making a comforting and savory side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow onions work great)
Seasonings and Fats
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional for a little heat)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds depth)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the onions.
- Prepare Onions: Peel each onion and trim a small amount from the root end so they will sit flat. Leave the onions whole for intact baking.
- Score the Onions: Using a sharp knife or melon baller, cut a deep cross pattern into the top of each onion, about halfway down, to enable the butter and seasonings to penetrate deeply. Alternatively, carve out a small hole on top with a melon baller.
- Prepare Foil Wrapping: Place each onion on a large piece of foil individually to wrap later.
- Insert Butter and Oil: Gently separate the cuts and insert sliced butter into the center of each onion. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the top of each onion.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning (if using), and Worcestershire sauce evenly over each onion to infuse flavor.
- Wrap Onions: Wrap each onion tightly in the foil, sealing the packets completely to trap moisture and flavors. Place the wrapped onions on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the foil-wrapped onions for 50 to 60 minutes until they become very soft and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap the onions (watch out for hot steam), spoon the buttery juices from the foil over them, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions for the best flavor and texture.
- The Cajun seasoning is optional and can be omitted if you prefer no heat.
- Be careful when unwrapping the foil as steam can be very hot.
- Use sharp knives to score onions safely and allow seasoning penetration.
- These baked onions pair well as a side dish to grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.
