Caramelized Melting Onions
Tender, golden onions roasted with olive oil, thyme, broth, and balsamic vinegar until buttery soft and irresistibly flavorful.
5 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 small to medium yellow onions approximately 1½ pounds
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable chicken, or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a rimmed half-sheet baking pan and set it aside.
Prepare the Onions
- Trim both ends of each onion, then peel and discard the outer skins. Slice the onions horizontally through the center (across the “equator”) into ½-inch-thick rounds. Keep the layers intact to maintain their shape during roasting.
Coat and Season
- Pour the olive oil onto the prepared baking pan. Arrange the onion slices on the pan, then use a thin spatula to flip each one, ensuring both cut sides are coated with oil. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the top-facing sides, then gently flip the onions once more and season the second side. Space them evenly to promote even roasting.
Roast – Part One
- Place the pan in the oven and roast the onions for approximately 20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly browned and fragrant.
Add the Broth and Balsamic Vinegar
- In a small measuring cup, combine the broth and balsamic vinegar. Pour the liquid into the baking pan carefully, ensuring it rises no higher than halfway up the sides of the onion slices.
Roast – Part Two
- Return the pan to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by approximately half.
Flip and Finish
- Remove the pan from the oven. Using a small offset spatula or butter knife, carefully flip each onion to prevent separation of the layers. Rotate the pan 90 degrees and roast for another 10 minutes, or until all the liquid has evaporated and the onions appear deeply golden and glazed.
Serve
- Transfer the onions to a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining glaze from the pan. Serve hot as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
This Caramelized Melting Onions recipe is naturally gluten-free when prepared as written. However, always verify that the broth and balsamic vinegar used are certified gluten-free, as some brands may include additives or malt-based ingredients. To ensure a completely gluten-free dish, select high-quality products with clear labeling.