How To Make The Viral Onion Boil Recipe

by Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN | Nov 22, 2024 | How-to, Recipes, Snack & Side Dishes | 0 comments

How To Make The Viral Onion Boil Recipe. his comforting recipe takes an entire onion, enhances its natural sweetness through slow baking, and pairs it with rich butter and flavorful seasonings.
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!

How To Make The Viral Onion Boil Recipe

This recipe is making its rounds around social media much like the entire cucumber trend! For food creators like myself, there’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a humble main ingredient into a show-stopping dish.

So we have the onion boil, otherwise known as baked onions with butter and seasonings. This comforting recipe takes an entire onion, enhances its natural sweetness through slow baking, and pairs it with rich butter and flavorful seasonings.

Whether served as a side or savored on its own, these caramelized beauties showcase how simple ingredients can deliver bold, unforgettable flavors.

Onion boil recipe on a yellow plate with a fork peircing a layer of seasoned and buttered onion

Ingredients For This Onion Boil Recipe

  • Whole Onion: The star of the dish. I love sweet onions in this recipe.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and enhances the onion’s natural flavor as it bakes.
  • Garlic Powder: A hint of savory depth to complement the onion’s sweetness.
  • Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone and a touch of color to elevate the flavor profile.
  • Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Use a little at first then more for finishing per your taste.

 

top down ingredients butter, onion and seasoning

Ingredient Substitutions or Add ins

Substitutions:

Vegan Options

  • Olive Oil: Use in place of butter for a rich, plant-based alternative.
  • Vegan Butter: A great swap for unsalted butter to keep the dish dairy-free while maintaining its creamy texture.

Switch the Onion

  • Red Onions: For a milder, slightly sweet flavor with a pop of vibrant color.
  • White Onions: Perfect for a sharper, more robust onion taste.
  • Yellow Onions: A good all around onion.

Add ins:

Seasonings

  • Cajun Seasoning: Add a spicy, smoky kick to elevate the dish with bold flavors.
  • Italian Seasoning: Infuse the onions with a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a savory Mediterranean twist
  • Old Bay Seasoning: As a Marylander, let me tell you, Old Bay is amazing. Pair it with a crab boil, and you’ve got the ultimate taste of the Chesapeake Bay.
  • Onion Powder: Because why not? Onion everything
  • Cheese: Take your onion boil to the next level with cheesy onion boil! Add your favorite cheese for an upgrade such as sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan. Imagine this on a burger, whether veggie or non-veggie.

Step By Step Instructions Viral Onion Boil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

Slice off the top of the onion and peel away the outer layers. Using an apple corer or pairing knife, carefully remove the center of the onion, creating a hollow center to hold the seasonings and butter.

peeled onions with some of the top center carved out on foil

Step 2: Fill the Center

Place a generous pat of butter, along with your chosen seasonings, into the hollow center of each onion.

prepared onions for onion boil before baking, they are topped with butter and seasoning

Step 3: Wrap in Foil

Place the prepared onion on a sheet of aluminum foil, folding it up tightly to seal in the moisture and create a steaming effect.

Step 4: Bake the Onion

Place the foil-wrapped onion on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, until the onion is tender and starting to turn golden brown.

Onion Baking Tip: For a firmer, more onion “bite”, bake for about 45 minutes. If you prefer a softer, melt-in-your-mouth onion, bake for closer to 60 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Additional Seasoning

Unwrap the foil carefully and check if the onion is cooked al dente, or to your desired softness. Taste the onion and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Drizzle the buttery liquid from the foil over the tender onion, and serve hot as a side dish or a comforting snack. For extra flair, pair your baked onion with these ideas:

  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
  • Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
  • Make it part of a seafood boil spread for a comforting, rustic meal.
  • Add an extra sprinkle of salt just before serving to enhance the flavors.

Enjoy this versatile dish in any setting!

Onion boil recipe on a yellow plate with a fork peircing a layer of seasoned and buttered onion

Storage Suggestions

Allow the baked onions to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, or microwave until warmed through.

Reheating Tip: To preserve the buttery flavor, drizzle a little extra butter or broth over the onions before reheating.

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Onion boil recipe on a yellow plate with a fork peircing a layer of seasoned and buttered onion

Viral Onion Boil Recipe

Sarah Harper MS, RD, LDN
This recipe is making its rounds around social media much like the entire cucumber trend! For food creators like myself, there’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a humble main ingredient into a show-stopping dish.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 83 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 pairing knife or apple corer
  • aluminum foil
  • 1 Baking Sheet
  • 1 Set of measuring spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 5 whole onions
  • 5 tsp unsalted butter or more per preference
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt more for seasoning per taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper more for seasoning per taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Onion

  • Slice off the top of the onion and peel away the outer layers. Using an apple corer or pairing knife, carefully remove the center of the onion, creating a hollow center to hold the seasonings and butter.

Step 2: Fill the Center

  • Place a generous pat of butter, along with your chosen seasonings, into the hollow center of each onion.

Step 3: Wrap in Foil

  • Place the prepared onion on a sheet of aluminum foil, folding it up tightly to seal in the moisture and create a steaming effect.

Step 4: Bake the Onion

  • Place the foil-wrapped onion on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-60 minutes, until the onion is tender and starting to turn golden brown.
    Onion Baking Tip: For a firmer, more onion "bite", bake for about 45 minutes. If you prefer a softer, melt-in-your-mouth onion, bake for closer to 60 minutes.

Step 5: Check for Doneness and Additional Seasoning

  • Unwrap the foil carefully and check if the onion is cooked al dente, or to your desired softness. Taste the onion and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 471mgPotassium: 181mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 325IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 0.4mg
Keyword 5-ingredient
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Sarah Harper in her kitchen with a cutting board, broccoli, carrots, and a fruit bowl.
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Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!

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Sarah Eating for food on a stick

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