Viral Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onion Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the onion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
