If you're looking for a simple yet flavorful side dish, these Roasted Onions With Thyme are just the thing! With caramelized edges and a fragrant touch of thyme, they're perfect for adding a sweet, savory note to any meal. Plus, they come together with just a few ingredients—making them a go-to roasted onion recipe for busy weeknights!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- These thyme roasted onions are the perfect way to elevate a simple dish with minimal effort!
- Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the onions, while the thyme adds a fresh, earthy flavor that complements everything from roasted meats to grain bowls.
- Baked onions are versatile, easy to prepare, and add a touch of gourmet flair to any meal without breaking the bank!
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the onions caramelize beautifully while adding a rich, smooth flavor.
- Thyme: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted onions.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the onions and thyme.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle hint of warmth and depth to the dish.
- Onions, Sliced in Half: The star of the show! Roasting transforms them into tender, sweet bites with crispy, golden edges.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
Here are some fun variations for roasting onions with thyme to elevate their flavor:
- Smoky Thyme Onions: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the mix for a bold, smoky flavor.
- Balsamic Thyme Onions: Drizzle the onions with balsamic vinegar before roasting for a caramelized, tangy-sweet twist.
- Garlic and Thyme Onions: Add whole garlic cloves (roasted garlic) or garlic powder to the roasting pan for a savory depth of flavor.
- Honey Thyme Onions: You'll love roasted onions with a touch of honey for a slightly sweet and herbaceous balance.
- Parmesan Thyme Onions: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the onions during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a cheesy, savory crust.
🔪 How To Roast Onions In the Oven
- Step 1: Cut the onions in half and peel away the dry, outer layers and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). If you want to cook whole roasted onions, feel free to add whole onions to your baking dish instead of onion halves.
- Step 2: In the pan, combine olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to mix. Place the onions, cut side down, into the oil and spice mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Step 3: Prepare a baking sheet or oven-safe pan by lightly greasing or lining with parchment. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the onions are tender and caramelized.
- Step 4: Cool slightly, slice, and serve these delicious roasted onions as a side dish or topping!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Choose Sweet Onions: Varieties like Vidalia or Walla Walla onions caramelize beautifully and develop a rich, sweet flavor when roasted.
- Cut Evenly: Slice the onions uniformly to ensure they roast evenly and achieve a consistent texture.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: Generously coat the onions in olive oil for a golden caramelization and to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
- Flip Midway for Extra Flavor: Turning the onions halfway through roasting ensures they cook evenly and soak up all the delicious seasoning.
💭 FAQs
No, you don’t have to use yellow onions! While yellow onions are great for roasting because of their balanced sweetness and flavor, you can experiment with other colors such as red onions which bring a mild sweetness and beautiful color to your roasted dish.
Roast at a moderate temperature (around 375°F-400°F) and toss them occasionally. Adding a bit of oil helps prevent burning.
Absolutely! Onions pair well with carrots, potatoes, peppers, or squash for a mixed roasted veggie dish.
Yes, but they may stick to the pan. Using parchment paper or a silicone baking mat can help.
Store leftover roasted onions with thyme in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop for the best texture.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are some great dishes to serve with roasted onions:
- Air Fryer Steak Bites : The sweet, caramelized onions enhance the savory flavors of a perfectly grilled steak.
- Mashed Potatoes: Use the onions as a topping for Creamy Mashed Potatoes, adding a layer of sweetness and texture, or serve with baked potatoes as a delicious side dish.
- Grain Bowls: Add the onions to a Healthy quinoa salad or farro bowl with Roasted Vegetables and a drizzle of tahini dressing.
- Burgers: Layer yellow onions on beef, chicken, or Vegan Beetroot Burger for a burst of flavor.
- Air Fryer Roasted Veggies. Serve with other roasted veggies such as roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
🍽 More Easy Oven Meals
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Roasted Onions With Thyme
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp. Thyme
- ½ tsp. Salt
- ½ tsp. Pepper
- 6 Onions Sliced in Half
Instructions
- Cut the onions in half and peel away the dry, outer layers and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In the pan, combine olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, stirring to mix. Place the onions cut side down into the oil and spice mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Prepare a baking sheet or oven-safe pan by lightly greasing or lining with parchment. Roast in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the onions are tender and caramelized.
- Cool slightly, slice, and serve your flavorful roasted onions as a side dish or topping!
Notes
Nutrition
These roasted onions are a game-changer! Sweet, caramelized, and infused with thyme—they elevate any meal they're paired with.