Baked Whole Onions
Baked whole onions with paprika and oleo offer a savory, mildly smoky flavor perfect as a side dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the top and bottom off each onion.
- Arrange the onions in a 9-inch glass dish.
- Place 1/2 teaspoon of oleo on each onion.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes until tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding minced garlic or cheese on top of the onions before microwaving. If you're out of oleo, butter or a vegan alternative can be used instead. Be sure to check the tenderness of the onions as microwaves can vary; they should be soft but not mushy. This recipe is a great side dish for any meal, especially when paired with American recipes like Mary'S Candied Yams.
Serving Suggestions
These baked whole onions make a delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Serve them alongside a fresh salad or as part of a cozy vegetarian meal. You could also serve them with a dipping sauce for an appetizer. They complement heartier dishes like Shake And Bake Low-Fat Potatoes beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover baked whole onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through or in a conventional oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Make sure they are covered to retain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Whole Onions contains roughly 289 calories, with 14g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (274% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (125% of the Daily Value), and iron (118% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 35g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use larger onions for this recipe?
Yes, you can use larger onions, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Larger onions will take longer to become tender, so check them after the initial 6-8 minutes and continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until they're soft.
What if I don't have a microwave?
If you don’t have a microwave, you can bake the onions in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F, place the onions in a covered baking dish with the oleo and paprika, and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
Can I prepare these onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the onions ahead of time by slicing the tops and bottoms off and placing them in the dish with oleo and paprika. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to microwave them, which can save you time during meal prep.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).