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Savory Cajun Roasted Onion

Featured in Easy Dinner Recipes.

This easy roasted onion recipe turns a whole sweet onion into a delicious and tender side dish. You carve out the middle, season it with butter and Cajun flavors, and bake it wrapped in foil until it's melt-in-your-mouth good. Browning the top under the broiler is optional but adds even more caramelization. Though the cooking takes about an hour, you barely need any time to prep this simple, crowd-pleasing dish. Peel each layer to taste perfectly seasoned bites of soft, nutritious onion.
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punchofyummy
Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:42:34 GMT
Soft roasted onion with rich, buttery flavor and light caramelization. Pin it
Soft roasted onion with rich, buttery flavor and light caramelization. | pinchofyummy.com

Transform a humble onion into an indulgent, caramelized delicacy that's become a culinary sensation. This slow-roasted preparation brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness while being enhanced by rich butter and aromatic Cajun spices. The result is an incredibly tender, flavor-packed dish that proves simplicity often yields the most memorable results.

Essential Ingredients

  • Sweet onion: Select large Vidalia or yellow onions for optimal sweetness
  • Plant-based butter: Creates a silky, rich sauce
  • Olive oil: Ensures perfect caramelization
  • Cajun seasoning: Adds depth and subtle heat
  • Sea salt: Balances and enhances flavors

Preparation Method

  1. Peel onion while maintaining its shape. Trim ends for stability.
  2. Create a cavity in the center using a melon baller.
  3. Fill cavity with butter, drizzle with oil, and season thoroughly.
  4. Wrap securely in foil, leaving space for steam.
  5. Roast at 375°F for one hour until tender.
  6. Optional: finish under broiler for extra caramelization.
A small onion is cooked in a brown sauce, placed in a bowl on a table. Pin it
A small onion is cooked in a brown sauce, placed in a bowl on a table. | pinchofyummy.com

Serving Ideas

Serve alongside grilled meats, over steamed rice, or as part of a vegetable medley. Makes an excellent addition to grain bowls or as a unique sandwich filling. Pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables or fresh herb salads.

Storage Guidelines

Store cooled leftovers in a sealed container with cooking juices. Consume within three days for best quality. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving which can compromise the delicate consistency.

A pot of gently boiled onions, ready for seasoning and serving. Pin it
A pot of gently boiled onions, ready for seasoning and serving. | pinchofyummy.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Which onions should I use?
Sweet ones like Vidalia are the best choice—they develop a natural sweetness and rich flavor when roasted.
→ Why make a hollow in the onion?
It acts as a pocket for the butter and spices, so they melt and seep into the onion as it cooks.
→ How can I tell if it’s ready?
You’ll know it’s done when a fork easily slides into the onion, and the center jiggles lightly. The surface should also look slightly caramelized.
→ Can I prep this ahead of time?
This dish is best right out of the oven, but leftovers can be kept in the fridge and gently reheated later.
→ What should I serve this with?
Serve it with roasted veggies, rice, crispy chickpeas, or as a complement to just about any main course.

Savory Cajun Roasted Onion

A sweet onion, perfectly tender from roasting, cooked with vegan butter and Cajun seasoning to create a dish that's rich in flavor and simple to make.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Amelia


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (1 large onion)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 big sweet onion (15 ounces), peeled and trimmed on both ends
02 1 tablespoon olive oil that’s extra virgin
03 1 tablespoon plant-based butter
04 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to your liking)
05 1 teaspoon of Cajun spices

→ Optional Additions

06 A handful of freshly chopped parsley for sprinkling on top
07 1/4 teaspoon of garlic seasoning powder
08 1/4 teaspoon of Old Bay blend

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven’s temperature to 375°F before starting.

Step 02

Take a melon baller and remove some of the middle from the top of the onion, going about a third deep to make a hollow. Put the onion on foil and place butter in the hollow. Mix olive oil with seasonings and pour this combo over the butter, letting it slide over the onion. Finish with some salt.

Step 03

Wrap the onion securely in foil and put it in a small baking dish or an iron skillet to catch any oily drips.

Step 04

Place on middle oven rack and bake for an hour. Check that it’s soft enough to slide a fork through and that the center jiggles a bit with some browning. If not ready, reseal it and bake another 10 minutes.

Step 05

If you want a golden crusty top, open the foil, brush on more melted butter or oil, and sprinkle some salt. Broil it for 5-10 minutes while keeping an eye on it.

Step 06

Take off the outer layer; if you feel it needs more seasoning, add salt to other layers as you go. Drizzle the juices on top, and serve it warm with things like veggies, rice, or chickpeas.

Notes

  1. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge once cooled.
  2. You can tweak the flavors by adding seasonings like garlic powder or Old Bay.

Tools You'll Need

  • Tool for scooping (like a melon baller)
  • Foil sheets
  • A small dish or skillet that’s oven-safe

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 163
  • Total Fat: 12.6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12.5 g
  • Protein: 1.3 g