Onion Bake
why make this recipe
This onion bake is simple, tasty, and low-effort. It turns ordinary onions into a soft, buttery side or appetizer. The herbs and butter add rich flavor. It pairs well with roasted meat or bread.
introduction
Onion Bake with Butter and Herbs is baked whole onions filled with seasoned butter. The onions become soft inside and golden on top. You need a few simple ingredients and one baking dish. It cooks mostly on its own, so it is easy to make for a weeknight or for guests.
how to make Onion Bake with Butter and Herbs
Work in a few clear steps. Core the onions so butter fits inside. Season well, press some butter into each onion, pour melted seasoned butter over them, add garlic and soy sauce, cover with foil, and bake until soft and golden. Remove foil near the end to brown the tops. Finish with a garlic clove in the center and spoon the butter sauce over each onion before serving.
Ingredients :
6 medium size to small size sweet onions, 1 stick of salted butter (8 tablespoons), Garlic Salt, Onion Powder, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley, Cajun Seasoning, Paprika, 6 to 8 cloves of garlic, A couple of shakes of soy sauce, *measurements for spices and herbs are to be eyeballed
Directions :
Cut the tops and ends off the onions and then peel the onion, also remove the single outer layer of the onion., Use a small knife or an apple corer to core out the center of the onion. You don’t want to go all the way through the onion bottom. Leave a space for the butter to sit inside the onion. *pictured in post, Cut the butter into small cubes., Place the onions in a small baking dish, the smaller the better. They can be touching., Season the onions on the top and in the hole you created really well with the seasonings. Use the paprika and black pepper sparingly, but you can really go to town with the others., Press 2 to 3 cubes of butter into the holes you created., Melt the remaining butter that you didn’t press into the onion. Season with the same seasonings., Give this a good stir and pour this over each onion. Add the cloves of garlic to the bottom of the baking dish. Then add a couple of shakes of soy sauce to the top of each onion., Cover the dish with one single piece of foil., Bake covered at 400 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove the foil at 45 minutes, and bake again for 15 minutes. *Every oven will bake differently, keep an eye on the onions the first time you bake this. The size of your onion will also make a difference on cook time., Remove the onions when they are still intact but soft and the top is golden brown., When ready to serve, add a garlic clove to the center of each onion and pour some of the butter sauce over the top., This can be served as a side dish to any roasted meat. This is also a great appetizer, served alongside some crusty, toasted bread and goat cheese.
how to serve Onion Bake with Butter and Herbs
Serve warm. Place each onion on a small plate and spoon the butter sauce over the top. Add crusty toasted bread and soft goat cheese if you like. It also works as a side with roasted chicken, beef, or pork.
how to store Onion Bake with Butter and Herbs
Cool the cooked onions to room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) or microwave until warm. If you freeze them, texture will change; use frozen onions in cooked dishes rather than as a plated side.
tips to make Onion Bake with Butter and Herbs
- Use sweet onions for milder taste.
- Core the onions carefully so you leave the bottom intact.
- Eyeball the spices but keep paprika and black pepper light.
- Use small baking dish so onions sit close and cook evenly.
- Check after 45 minutes and remove foil when tops start to brown.
- Save the butter sauce and spoon it over when serving.
variation (if any)
- Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter for a different herb note.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the onions for a cheesy top.
- Use olive oil instead of some butter for a lighter version.
- Add chopped bacon or cooked mushrooms around the onions in the dish for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use larger onions?
A: Yes. Larger onions will need more time to cook. Check for softness and adjust baking time.
Q: Do I need salted butter?
A: Salted butter adds flavor and is fine to use. If you use unsalted butter, add a little extra salt to taste.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead?
A: You can core and season the onions ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge. Bake when ready, but do not add garlic or final sauce until serving for best flavor.
Q: Is soy sauce necessary?
A: It adds a savory touch. You can skip it or use a light splash of balsamic vinegar instead.
Q: How do I know when onions are done?
A: They are done when they are soft inside and the top is golden brown. A knife should meet little resistance.
Conclusion
For the original version and full notes see Onion Bake with Butter and Herbs – The Tipsy Housewife. For another take on a blooming style baked onion with herb butter, check Blooming Baked Onion with Herb Butter – Plan to Eat.
Onion Bake with Butter and Herbs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 medium medium to small size sweet onions Use sweet onions for milder taste.
- 1 stick salted butter 8 tablespoons; cut into small cubes and melted.
- 6 to 8 cloves garlic Add these cloves to the bottom of the baking dish.
- to taste Garlic Salt Season the onions well.
- to taste Onion Powder Season the onions well.
- to taste Black Pepper Use sparingly.
- to taste Dried Parsley Season the onions well.
- to taste Cajun Seasoning Season the onions well.
- to taste Paprika Use sparingly.
- a couple of shakes soy sauce Add to the top of each onion.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the tops and ends off the onions and peel them, removing the single outer layer.
- Use a small knife or apple corer to core the center of the onions without going through the bottom.
- Cut the butter into small cubes.
- Place onions in a small baking dish, they can be touching.
- Season the onions well inside the holes and on top with the various seasonings.
- Press 2-3 cubes of butter into each onion hole.
Cooking
- Melt the remaining butter and season it with the same spices, stirring well.
- Pour the melted butter mixture over each onion and add the cloves of garlic in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
- Ensure onions are soft but still intact before serving.
Serving
- Serve warm by placing each onion on a small plate and spooning the butter sauce over the top.
- Pair with crusty toasted bread and goat cheese if desired.
