Viral Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onion Recipe

Introduction

Oven-roasted caramelized onions transform a simple sweet onion into a rich, tender, and flavorful side. This method slowly softens the onion while infusing it with buttery, spiced goodness perfect for enhancing any meal.

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 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. 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. Mix the 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. 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, 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. Step 6: 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 and enjoy with sides like rice, crispy chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• Use a small melon baller or spoon to carefully scoop the onion center without breaking the outer layers.
• Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika or fresh thyme for added flavor twists.
• For a non-vegan version, substitute vegan butter with regular butter for richer taste.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar before roasting for a tangy glaze.

Storage

Store leftover roasted onion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to maintain tenderness. The flavorful juices can be saved and used to enhance soups or sauces.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of onion for roasting?

Yes, though sweet onions are preferred for their natural sugars which caramelize well. Yellow or white onions can be used but may result in a more pungent flavor.

How do I know when the onion is fully roasted?

The onion is done when it feels soft and fork-tender, slightly jiggly in the center, and has a caramelized aroma and appearance. If unsure, simply roast for an additional 10 minutes and check again.

Viral Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onion Recipe

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4.7 from 104 reviews

This Viral Oven-Roasted Caramelized Onion recipe transforms a sweet onion into a tender, juicy, and deeply flavorful dish using a simple roasting technique enhanced with vegan butter and Cajun seasoning. Wrapped tightly in foil and slow-roasted, the onion becomes irresistibly caramelized inside and out, making it a perfect side or topping for a variety of meals.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 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

Seasonings and Fats

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegan butter
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Finely diced parsley leaves (optional garnish)

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

• Use a sweet onion like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best natural sweetness and caramelization.
• Adjust seasoning amounts to taste, especially if adding optional spices.
• Wrapping tightly in foil ensures the onion steams and roasts evenly without drying out.
• Check the onion’s tenderness carefully after roasting; cooking times may vary depending on onion size.
• The optional broiling step enhances caramelization but watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Leftover roasted onion juice is flavorful and can be poured over the onion or used as a sauce base.

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