Baked Onions Recipe: A Simple and Savory Side Dish
Category: Side Dish
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60–75 minutes
Baked onions offer a delightful combination of tender, caramelized goodness with a savory, crispy topping. This recipe features both white and red onions, seasoned simply with olive oil, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper. It’s a perfect side dish to complement a variety of main courses and brings out the natural sweetness of the onions while adding a beautiful golden finish.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White onions | 500g |
| Red onions | 500g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Fresh parsley | 1 bunch |
| Breadcrumbs | 2 tbsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Onions:
Begin by peeling the white and red onions. Clean them thoroughly to remove any skins or residue. Afterward, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the onions and allow them to cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. This process softens them slightly, which helps to make the baking process quicker and enhances the flavor. -
Slice the Onions:
Once the onions are cooked, drain them and let them cool just enough to handle. Cut each onion in half lengthwise using a sharp knife, ensuring the layers remain intact. -
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the onions from sticking. Arrange the onion halves in the dish with the cut side facing up. This positioning allows the seasonings and olive oil to soak into the onion layers, ensuring maximum flavor. -
Season the Onions:
Sprinkle the onions with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then, finely chop the parsley and sprinkle it evenly over the onions. The parsley not only adds flavor but also brings a pop of color to this dish. -
Add Breadcrumbs and Olive Oil:
Lightly dust the onions with breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the onions to help them bake to a golden, appetizing color and enhance the richness of the flavor. -
Bake the Onions:
Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 60 to 75 minutes. During this time, the onions will soften, caramelize, and develop a slight crispness on the edges. To check for doneness, gently insert a wooden skewer into the onion. If it slides in easily, the onions are fully cooked. -
Optional Gratin Finish:
For an even more decadent, golden finish, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the last 10 minutes of baking. Switch the oven to grill mode (broil) to achieve a beautiful, golden-brown crust on the onions. -
Serve:
Once the onions are tender and golden, remove them from the oven. Serve them warm as a perfect side dish to any main course.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Potassium | 230mg |
Baked onions are a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal. Their soft texture and rich taste, paired with the crispy breadcrumb topping, offer a perfect balance of flavors. Ideal for holiday meals, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this recipe is both easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.
Let the subtle sweetness of the onions combined with aromatic parsley and the richness of olive oil shine in this dish. Whether you’re serving them alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or as a stand-alone dish, these baked onions are sure to be a hit at your table!
