Grilled Vidalia Onions with Savory Bouillon Butter
Indulge in these beautifully caramelized Grilled Vidalia Onions, a delightful and savory dish perfect for a Saturday night gathering. Vidalia onions, renowned for their sweet flavor, are enhanced by the deliciousness of beef bouillon and butter, creating a rich broth similar to French onion soup. This easy recipe involves grilling the onions to perfection, resulting in a tender texture and mouthwatering taste that pairs well with grilled meats or can serve as a unique appetizer. Get ready for a culinary experience that is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vidalia onions
4 (large, peeled and quartered)
Beef bouillon cubes
4 (whole)
Butter
4 (tablespoons, cut into slivers)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Prepare a charcoal grill or preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
Trim the tops off each of the 4 large Vidalia onions and carefully peel them without cutting off the root end to ensure they hold their shape.
3
Using a potato peeler, remove a small cone-shaped section from the center of each onion to create space for the fillings.
4
Cut each onion into quarters from the top down, stopping about 1/2-inch from the root to keep the sections intact.
5
Place one beef bouillon cube into the center of each onion and fill the gaps between the onion sections with slivers of butter. Season generously with fresh ground black pepper.
6
Wrap each onion tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil, sealing them well to lock in the moisture.
7
Place the wrapped onions directly onto the hot charcoal coals or on a baking sheet if using the oven.
8
Cook the onions for approximately 45 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
9
Once cooked, carefully unwrap the foil (watch out for steam) and serve each onion in an individual bowl to capture the flavorful broth that has developed at the bottom, reminiscent of French onion soup.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Vidalia Onions with Savory Bouillon Butter?
These are caramelized Vidalia onions filled with beef bouillon and butter, wrapped in foil and grilled or baked to create a dish with a flavor profile similar to French onion soup.
Why are Vidalia onions used in this recipe?
Vidalia onions are used because they are renowned for their sweet flavor, which pairs perfectly with the savory beef bouillon and butter.
How many ingredients do I need for this onion recipe?
You only need four ingredients: 4 large Vidalia onions, 4 beef bouillon cubes, 4 tablespoons of butter, and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
How should I prepare the onions before cooking?
Trim the tops off, peel them without removing the root end, remove a small cone from the center, and cut them into quarters stopping 1/2-inch from the bottom.
Why should I leave the root end of the onion intact?
Leaving the root end intact ensures that the onion sections hold their shape and stay together while grilling.
What is the purpose of removing a center cone from the onion?
A small cone-shaped section is removed from the center using a potato peeler to create space for the beef bouillon cube and butter fillings.
How many bouillon cubes should I use per onion?
Each onion should be filled with one beef bouillon cube placed in the center.
How should the butter be added to the recipe?
The butter should be cut into slivers and tucked into the gaps between the quartered onion sections.
What seasoning is recommended for these grilled onions?
The recipe recommends seasoning the onions generously with fresh ground black pepper.
What type of foil should I use to wrap the onions?
Heavy-duty aluminum foil is best for wrapping the onions tightly to lock in moisture and withstand high heat.
Can I cook these onions in the oven instead of a grill?
Yes, you can preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and bake the wrapped onions on a baking sheet.
What temperature should the oven be for baking these onions?
The oven should be set to 350 degrees F or 175 degrees C.
How long do the onions need to cook?
The onions should cook for approximately 45 minutes, whether on the grill or in the oven.
Do I need to turn the onions while they are cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to turn the foil-wrapped onions occasionally during the 45-minute cooking time to ensure even cooking.
Where should I place the onions on a charcoal grill?
The wrapped onions can be placed directly onto the hot charcoal coals for grilling.
How do I serve the Grilled Vidalia Onions?
Serve each onion in an individual bowl to capture the flavorful broth that develops at the bottom of the foil.
What does the resulting broth taste like?
The combination of onion juices, melted butter, and beef bouillon creates a rich broth reminiscent of French onion soup.
Is there a safety precaution for opening the foil?
Yes, be very careful when unwrapping the foil as hot steam will escape which can cause burns.
What is the texture of the onions after cooking?
The onions become tender and beautifully caramelized after being grilled or baked for 45 minutes.
Can this dish be served as an appetizer?
Yes, these savory onions can serve as a unique appetizer or as a side dish for grilled meats.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is categorized as easy, requiring minimal preparation and simple ingredients.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While the recipe calls for beef bouillon, you can make it vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable bouillon cubes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the use of 4 large onions, this recipe typically serves 4 people.
What kind of black pepper should I use?
The recipe specifies using fresh ground black pepper for the best flavor profile.
What kind of grill is best for this recipe?
The recipe mentions preparing a charcoal grill, but the onions can also be cooked in an oven or likely a gas grill.
Can I use other types of onions if Vidalias are not available?
You can use other sweet onion varieties like Walla Walla or Maui, though the specific sweet flavor of Vidalias is preferred.
Do I need to add water to the foil packets?
No water is needed; the onions release their own juices which mix with the butter and bouillon to create the broth.
Can I prepare the foil packets in advance?
Yes, you can prep the onions and wrap them in foil ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill.
Are these onions good for a BBQ or cookout?
Absolutely, they are a perfect side dish for a Saturday night gathering or any outdoor barbecue.
Should the bouillon cubes be crushed?
The instructions suggest placing the whole bouillon cube into the center of the onion; it will dissolve as the onion cooks and releases moisture.