Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast Recipe
Introduction
This Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast transforms simple onions into a tender, flavorful side dish with the help of butter, garlic, and fresh thyme. Slow roasting brings out their natural sweetness, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients
- 4 large Vidalia onions, unpeeled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Step 2: Trim the root ends and tops of each onion so they sit flat, keeping the skins intact.
- Step 3: Use a paring knife to make a shallow X cut on the top of each onion.
- Step 4: Place each onion on a square of heavy-duty foil. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Step 5: Insert 1 tablespoon butter, 1 sprig thyme, and 1 garlic clove into the cut on top of each onion.
- Step 6: Wrap each onion tightly in foil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
- Step 7: Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, until the onions are very tender when pierced with a knife.
- Step 8: Carefully unwrap the onions, remove the skins, transfer to plates, and drizzle any melted butter from the foil over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks and retain moisture for a perfectly tender roast.
- For a deeper flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar before wrapping the onions.
- Substitute fresh rosemary or sage for thyme to vary the aromatic note.
Storage
Store leftover roasted onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a warm oven to keep them tender without drying out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions?
Yes, but Vidalia onions are preferred for their natural sweetness and mild flavor. Yellow or white onions will work but may have a stronger taste.
Do I need to peel the onions before roasting?
No, keep the skins on during roasting to protect the onions and lock in moisture. Remove the skins after roasting, before serving.
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Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Vidalia Onion Roast recipe features whole Vidalia onions roasted to tender perfection with butter, fresh thyme, garlic, and herbs. Wrapped tightly in foil and baked until soft and flavorful, these onions make a savory, aromatic side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Onions
- 4 large Vidalia onions, unpeeled
Seasonings and Herbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and allow it to fully preheat before cooking.
- Prepare Onions: Trim the root ends and tops of each Vidalia onion so they can sit flat on a surface, making sure to keep their skins intact for roasting.
- Score Onions: Using a sharp paring knife, make a shallow X-shaped cut on the top of each onion. This cut allows the flavors to penetrate during roasting.
- Season Onions: Place each prepared onion onto a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over them to enhance flavor.
- Add Aromatics and Butter: Insert 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 1 sprig of fresh thyme, and 1 peeled garlic clove into the cut made on top of each onion to infuse rich aroma and taste.
- Wrap Onions: Wrap each onion tightly in its foil square and arrange all wrapped onions on a baking sheet to prevent spilling and ensure even cooking.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the onions are very tender when pierced with a knife.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap each onion, remove the skins, transfer to serving plates, drizzle any melted butter collected in the foil over the onions, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Keep the onion skins on during roasting to protect the flesh and help retain moisture.
- Use heavy-duty foil to avoid tearing during wrapping and roasting.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar inside the foil before wrapping.
- This roasted onion dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Vidalia onion roast, roasted onions, side dish, baked onions, butter roasted onions, thyme garlic onions

