Viral Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onion Recipe

Introduction

This viral oven-roasted caramelized onion recipe transforms a simple sweet onion into a rich, tender, and deeply flavorful treat. Slow roasting allows the natural sugars to develop while a blend of seasonings adds a savory kick. Perfect as a side or a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

• 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving each layer)
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Optional: finely diced parsley leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the onion.
2. Step 2: Use a small melon baller to scoop out the top center portion of the onion about one-third down, creating a well. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil.
3. Step 3: Put the vegan butter into the well you created. In a small bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay, then pour this mixture over the butter in the well, letting it drip down the sides of the onion. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt and additional seasonings if desired.
4. Step 4: Tightly wrap the entire onion in the aluminum foil. Place the wrapped onion in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any oil that may leak.
5. Step 5: Roast the wrapped onion on the center rack of the oven for 1 hour. After an hour, carefully unwrap the foil to check tenderness. The onion should be fork-tender, jiggly in the center, and slightly caramelized. If not done, reseal foil and roast an additional 10 minutes.
6. Step 6 (Optional): For a deeper caramelized exterior, open the foil, drizzle with more melted butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt, then broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Peel away the outer layer to reveal tender inner layers. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of salt and pour all the flavorful juices collected in the foil over the onion. Garnish with diced parsley if desired.
8. Step 8: Enjoy the onion as a side with rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Use a sweet onion like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best caramelization and natural sweetness.
• Experiment with different seasonings such as smoked paprika or thyme for varied flavor profiles.
• Wrap tightly in foil to ensure the onion steams and roasts evenly, keeping it moist.
• Broiling at the end adds a nice crispy texture; just be sure to watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Storage

Store leftover roasted onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or covered skillet to retain moisture. The onion can also be served cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?

Yes, regular butter works well if you are not avoiding dairy, and it will add a rich, creamy flavor to the roasted onion.

How do I know when the onion is done roasting?

The onion should be fork-tender and slightly jiggly in the center, indicating it is fully cooked and caramelized. If it feels firm, reseal the foil and roast for another 10 minutes.

Viral Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onion Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

This viral oven-roasted caramelized onion recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy sweet onions roasted to tender, juicy perfection. The onion is carefully prepared, seasoned with Cajun spices and optional seasonings, then wrapped in foil and slow roasted to achieve a flavorful caramelized exterior and a soft, jiggly center. A final broil enhances the caramelization, making it a perfect side dish or addition to meals like rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onion

• 1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off

Seasonings and Fats

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving each layer)
• Optional additional seasonings: ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Optional: finely diced parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the onion.
2. Prepare the Onion: Use a small melon baller to scoop out the top center portion of the onion about one-third down, creating a well. Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil.
3. Add Fats and Seasonings: Put the vegan butter into the well you created. Mix Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay together, then pour this mixture over the butter in the well, letting it drip down the sides of the onion. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon salt and additional seasonings if desired.
4. Wrap Onion: Tightly wrap the entire onion in the aluminum foil. Place the wrapped onion in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any oil that may leak.
5. Roast the Onion: Roast the wrapped onion on the center rack of the oven for 1 hour. After an hour, remove and carefully unwrap the foil to check tenderness. The onion should be fork-tender, jiggly in the center, and slightly caramelized. If not done, reseal foil and roast an additional 10 minutes.
6. Optional Broil for Caramelization: For a deeper caramelized exterior, open the foil, drizzle with more melted butter or olive oil and a pinch of salt, then broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Serve: Peel away the outer layer to reveal tender inner layers. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of salt and pour all the flavorful juices collected in the foil over the onion. Garnish with diced parsley if desired and enjoy with sides like rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• Using a melon baller to create a well helps the seasonings and vegan butter infuse the onion from the inside.
• Wrapping tightly in foil retains moisture, ensuring the onion becomes tender and juicy.
• The optional broiling step adds a richer caramelized flavor, but watch closely to avoid burning.
• Adjust seasonings to taste, especially salt, as it enhances the onion’s natural sweetness.
• Enjoy as a side dish or incorporate into grain bowls, salads, or vegetable medleys.

Keywords: oven-roasted caramelized onion, vegan caramelized onion, roasted sweet onion, side dish recipe, Cajun roasted onion, easy roasted onion