Description
Brown Butter Onion Boil is a comforting, savory side dish featuring sweet onions boiled until tender, then enriched with browned butter, olive oil, and seasoning. Optionally roasted to deepen flavors and topped with golden broiled finishes, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the onions combined with rich, nutty browned butter for an irresistible vegetable dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Onions
- 4 large sweet onions, peeled and ends trimmed
Butter and Oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ tablespoon per onion)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for the optional roasting step, which enhances the tenderness and flavor of the onions.
- Prepare Onions: Scoop out the top center of each onion about one-third of the way down to create a well for holding butter and seasoning.
- Boil Onions: Boil the prepared onions in a large pot of water for 20 minutes or until they are slightly tender but still maintain their shape. Drain well and let them cool slightly to handle.
- Add Butter: Place ½ tablespoon of unsalted butter into the well of each onion, allowing it to melt and coat the interior.
- Mix and Drizzle Seasoning: Combine olive oil, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese, then drizzle this mixture evenly over each onion to add flavor and moisture.
- Fill Onion Wells: Spoon additional Parmesan cheese into each onion well for an extra burst of flavor if desired.
- Roast Onions (Optional): Wrap each onion in foil and roast in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until fully tender. For a golden, slightly crispy top, broil the wrapped onions for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Serve: Carefully unwrap the onions and spoon any buttery juices collected in the foil over the onions before serving for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Roasting the onions after boiling is optional but adds a delightful depth of flavor and creamy texture.
- Scooping out the onion well helps hold the butter and seasoning, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- For a vegetarian option, Parmesan cheese is used; alternatively, nutritional yeast can substitute for a vegan variation.
- Be careful not to overboil the onions; they should be tender yet firm to hold their shape through roasting.
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
