Savory Honey-Glazed Vidalia Onions
These Savory Honey-Glazed Vidalia Onions are a delightful way to elevate the naturally sweet flavor of one of Georgia's finest crops. Each year, my former employer gifted us a generous supply of fresh Vidalia onions, and I was fortunate enough to discover this incredible recipe from the farm's brochure. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and a hint of spice creates a mesmerizing glaze that perfectly complements the tender, caramelized onions. Not only are they a delicious addition to any meal, but they also pack a nutritional punch, making them a healthy side dish option.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vidalia onions
2 (large, peeled, and cut in half crosswise)
Water
1 tablespoon (for steaming)
Honey
1/4 cup (raw or clover honey)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (sweet or smoked)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Curry powder
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor enhancement)
Ground red pepper
1/8 teaspoon (optional, for a spicy kick)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
Peel the Vidalia onions and slice them in half crosswise to expose their sweet layers.
3
Arrange the onion halves, cut sides down, in an 8-inch square baking dish and pour 1 tablespoon of water around them. This will help create steam for cooking.
4
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap the steam and bake the onions in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
5
While the onions are baking, prepare the honey glaze by whisking together the honey, melted butter, paprika, salt, curry powder, and optional ground red pepper in a bowl until combined.
6
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and turn the onions over so that the cut sides face up.
7
Brush half of the prepared honey mixture generously over the surface of the onions.
8
Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting with the remaining honey mixture after 15 minutes.
9
Once the onions are tender and caramelized, remove them from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Honey-Glazed Vidalia Onions?
They are a sweet and savory side dish featuring Georgia's Vidalia onions baked with a glaze made of honey, butter, and spices.
What type of onions is recommended for this recipe?
Large Vidalia onions are recommended because of their natural sweetness and tender texture.
What is the correct oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How should I prepare the onions for the baking dish?
Peel the onions and slice them in half crosswise to expose the layers before placing them cut-side down.
Why is water added to the baking dish?
One tablespoon of water is added to create steam, which helps cook the onions evenly while they are covered.
How long should the onions bake while covered?
The onions should be covered tightly with foil and baked for 30 minutes initially.
What are the ingredients in the honey glaze?
The glaze consists of honey, melted butter, paprika, salt, curry powder, and optional ground red pepper.
What kind of honey works best for the glaze?
Raw or clover honey is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Can I use different types of paprika?
Yes, you can use either sweet or smoked paprika depending on your preference.
Is the ground red pepper mandatory?
No, the 1/8 teaspoon of ground red pepper is optional and only used if you want a spicy kick.
How do I handle the onions after the first 30 minutes of baking?
Carefully remove the foil and turn the onions over so that the cut sides are facing up.
When do I apply the honey glaze?
Brush half of the mixture over the onions after they have baked for 30 minutes and been flipped over.
How long is the second baking period?
The onions bake for an additional 30 minutes uncovered after the glaze is applied.
Do I need to baste the onions during the second bake?
Yes, you should baste the onions with the remaining honey mixture after 15 minutes of the second baking period.
How do I know when the onions are finished?
The onions are ready when they are tender and have a caramelized appearance.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 8-inch square baking dish is the appropriate size for this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
What is the role of curry powder in this recipe?
Curry powder is used as a flavor enhancer for the honey glaze.
Where did this recipe originate?
The recipe was originally found in a Vidalia onion farm's brochure.
Are these onions healthy?
Yes, they are described as a healthy side dish option that packs a nutritional punch.
Should the butter be melted before mixing the glaze?
Yes, the butter should be melted to ensure it combines smoothly with the honey and spices.
Can I use regular yellow onions if I can't find Vidalias?
While you can use other onions, Vidalias are preferred for their unique sweetness which defines this dish.
What is the total cooking time?
The total baking time is approximately 60 minutes.
Is it necessary to peel the onions?
Yes, the onions should be peeled before being sliced and baked.
How should I serve the onions?
Allow them to cool slightly after removing them from the oven before serving.
What texture should the onions have after baking?
The onions should be tender enough to eat easily while having a slightly caramelized exterior.
What makes Vidalia onions special for this dish?
They are known for being one of Georgia's finest and naturally sweetest crops.
Can this be used as a holiday side dish?
Yes, it is tagged as celebration food and is elegant enough for holiday meals.
What if I don't have an 8-inch square dish?
You can use a similar sized oven-safe dish as long as the onions fit comfortably in a single layer.