40 minutes
A simple yet delicious side dish featuring caramelized onion rounds that are baked to perfection in the oven.
Firm, Juicy Onions, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
each
Olive Oil, for brushing
tablespoons
to taste
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
2. Slice Onions
Carefully peel the onions. Slice them crosswise into even ¼-inch thick rounds, estimating about 2 to 3 slices for each guest.
3. Oil the Baking Sheet
Lightly brush a baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add a subtle flavor to the onions.
4. Arrange and Season
Place the onion slices onto the oiled baking sheet in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Gently season the top side of each onion round with salt. Carefully flip the onion slices over, and repeat the brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt on the newly exposed side.
5. Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the onions are tender and display a beautiful golden-brown color on their undersides.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Present the caramelized onion rounds straight from the oven as a delectable side dish, or enhance their flavor by marinating them in a touch of vinaigrette. Savor these versatile onions hot as an accompaniment to your main course, or let them cool to room temperature to elevate a salad or enrich an antipasto assortment.
Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the onions before or halfway through baking. The acidity and sweetness of the balsamic will enhance the caramelization and add a rich, complex flavor.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the onion rounds before serving. The sweetness and acidity of the glaze will complement the natural sweetness of the caramelized onions.
After the onions have caramelized, top them with grated cheese such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella, and return them to the oven until the cheese melts and becomes golden. These make for a delicious appetizer or side.
After the onions have caramelized and are nearly done, add a sprinkle of grated cheese such as Parmesan, Gruyère, or smoked gouda. Return to the oven until the cheese melts and turns golden brown, adding a savory and nutty flavor.
Lay thin strips of bacon or pancetta over the onion rounds before baking. The fat will render and infuse the onions with a smoky, meaty flavor.
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