You would never guess that something as pungent as a raw onion could transform into such a sweet, mellow treat with just a bit of heat. This roasted red onions recipe changes the texture entirely, softening the bite into pure savory comfort.
I often find myself snacking on these straight from the baking sheet before they even make it to the dinner table. It is one of those simple kitchen tricks that feels like a gourmet upgrade without any real effort.
What Makes This Roasted Red Onions Recipe Special

One of the best things about this dish is how incredibly versatile it is for your weekly meal planning. You can serve them warm right out of the oven or keep them cold to toss into salads for days.
The roasting process brings out natural sugars that you just can’t get from sautéing or raw preparations. It turns a basic pantry staple into a rich, flavorful component that enhances everything from burgers to grain bowls.
I also love that this method requires almost no hands-on time compared to caramelizing onions on the stovetop. You simply slice, season, and let the oven do all the hard work while you relax.
If you enjoyed the hearty flavors here, you will want to serve this alongside my Irresistible Chicken Stew Recipe for a complete comfort meal. I also recommend checking out the Ultimate Lebanese Bean Stew Recipe if you need another warming dish that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables.
Gathering Your Roasted Red Onions Recipe Ingredients

Here is the short list of items you need to pull this together:
- Red onion: Choose a large, firm bulb with shiny skin for the best sweetness and texture.
- Olive oil: A good quality oil helps the edges crisp up while keeping the inside tender.
- Kosher salt: This draws out moisture and seasons the vegetable perfectly without being overpowering.
My Method for Roasted Red Onions Recipe

Let’s get these onions into the oven:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it is nice and hot when you are ready. Take your large red onion, peel away the papery outer skin, and slice it into rounds that are about ¼-inch thick, then gently separate the rings with your fingers.
- Place the onion rings into a rimmed glass baking dish or spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle evenly with the kosher salt, then use your hands to toss everything until every ring is coated and glistening.
- Roast the onions in the center of the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You will want to give them a good stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly, removing them once they look soft, caramelized, and slightly charred on the edges.
My Roasted Red Onions Recipe Secrets
To ensure even cooking, try to keep your knife cuts as uniform as possible when slicing the rings. If some pieces are too thin, they might burn before the thicker sections have time to soften and sweeten.
For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes drizzle a small amount of aged balsamic vinegar over the tray before roasting. The acidity balances the natural sugar and helps create a deeper, darker caramelization on the edges.
Leftovers store surprisingly well and can add a flavor boost to your meals throughout the week. I keep them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to four days and add them to my morning omelets.
Best Ways to Enjoy Roasted Red Onions Recipe
My absolute favorite way to use these is as a savory topping for a grilled steak or a juicy homemade burger. The mellow sweetness cuts through the richness of the meat in a way that raw onions never could.
They also work beautifully as a simple side dish alongside roasted chicken or fish. Since you are already running the oven at 400°F, it is easy to cook your main protein on one rack and these onions on another.
I love seeing your creations, so please follow me on Pinterest for more tasty ideas.
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Roasted Red Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 37 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Transform sharp raw onions into sweet, caramelized gems with this simple roasted red onions recipe. It makes the perfect easy side dish or savory topping.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large red onion
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it is nice and hot when you are ready. Take your large red onion, peel away the papery outer skin, and slice it into rounds that are about ¼-inch thick, then gently separate the rings with your fingers.
- Place the onion rings into a rimmed glass baking dish or spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and sprinkle evenly with the kosher salt, then use your hands to toss everything until every ring is coated and glistening.
- Roast the onions in the center of the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You will want to give them a good stir halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly, removing them once they look soft, caramelized, and slightly charred on the edges.
Notes
Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 12 min
- Cooling: 5 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.25 recipe
- Calories: 74
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 141 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Roasted Red Onions Recipe, easy vegetable side, caramelized onions oven, healthy topping
