Introduction

This viral TikTok recipe transforms a simple sweet onion into a tender, flavorful dish through roasting and seasoning. The result is a caramelized, juicy onion perfect as a side or a unique centerpiece for a cozy meal.

A close-up of a whole cooked onion sitting in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The onion is soft and slightly translucent with a golden-brown color, showing a shiny texture from the oil covering it. The top part of the onion is open, revealing small pieces of browned seasoning and herbs inside, coated with thick reddish-orange oil and spices. Around the onion's base, there is a generous pool of spicy oil mixed with red chili powder and small dark specks of seasoning, spreading outwards on the plate. The lighting highlights the oil's glossy shine and the moist texture of the onion's layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 large (15 ounce) sweet onion, peeled and ends trimmed off
1 tablespoon vegan butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste when serving)
Optional additional seasonings: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
Optional garnish: finely diced parsley leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Use a small melon baller to scoop out the top center portion of the onion, about one-third of the way down, creating a well in the middle.
Step 2: Place the onion on a sheet of aluminum foil and add the vegan butter into the well.
Step 3: Mix the Cajun seasoning, olive oil, and salt (along with any optional seasonings) together, then pour this mixture over the butter into the well, allowing the seasoned oil to drip down the sides of the onion.
Step 4: Wrap the onion tightly in the aluminum foil, ensuring no openings, then place it in a small baking dish or cast iron skillet to catch any leaks.
Step 5: Roast the wrapped onion on the center rack of your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour.
Step 6: Carefully remove the onion from the oven and open the foil to check tenderness. The onion should be fork-tender, slightly caramelized, and the center may jiggle. If it needs more cooking, reseal the foil and roast for an additional 10 minutes before checking again.
Step 7: For extra caramelization, turn your oven to broil. Open the foil, drizzle more melted butter or olive oil, and sprinkle a pinch of salt over the onion.
Step 8: Broil the onion for 5-10 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning, until the exterior is a golden brown caramelized finish.
Step 9: Remove the onion from the oven, peel away the outer layer, and serve the tender layers beneath with an extra sprinkle of salt and any reserved juices from the foil.
Step 10: Enjoy warm, ideally alongside rice, crispy chickpeas, or other roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts.

Tips & Variations

Use a sharp melon baller or small spoon to make a clean well without breaking the onion layers.
Add garlic powder or Old Bay seasoning to customize the flavor profile.
For a richer taste, try finishing with a pat of butter instead of olive oil before broiling.
If you don’t have vegan butter, regular butter or ghee can be used instead.
Serve with grain bowls or salads for a hearty vegetarian option.

Storage

Store leftover onion wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook and dry it out.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a single round layer of soft white cheese topped with translucent cooked onion slices, all covered in a glossy, spicy red-orange oil sauce with visible pepper flakes and herbs, sitting in the center of a shallow white plate with the sauce spreading out like a pool around the cheese, a silver fork lifting a piece of the onion from the middle of the cheese, all placed on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Sweet onions work best because of their natural mildness and caramelization potential, but yellow or white onions can be used with slightly different flavor results.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, using vegan butter keeps the recipe completely plant-based, but you can substitute with regular butter if you prefer.