Spanish Onions
Spanish Onions offer a hearty and flavorful side dish featuring tender baked onions topped with tomatoes, thyme, and butter. The combination of sweet onions and savory seasonings makes it perfect for family dinners or special occasions, bringing warmth and comfort to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the whole onions in a baking dish.
- Add the canned tomatoes on top of the onions.
- Dot with butter over the onions and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle generously with salt, lots of pepper, and dried thyme leaves.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours until the onions are tender and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter flavor, try using Vidalia or other sweet onions instead of regular ones. You can also substitute fresh thyme for dried if available, but use about three times the amount. If you're looking to reduce fat, use olive oil instead of butter. To enhance the dish, consider adding garlic or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Spanish onions make a delightful side dish, especially alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve them over rice or pasta. They also pair beautifully with Special Potatoes for a comforting dinner. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving can elevate the dish even further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the onions in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Onions contains roughly 504 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (125% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 560mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
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 different types of onions for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different onion varieties. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla will give a sweeter taste, while red onions will add a unique color and flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the size and type of onions used.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge, but you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with these onions?
These onions are versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. They complement grilled chicken, beef, or fish beautifully. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside hearty grains like quinoa or farro, or browse more vegetarian recipes for additional inspiration.
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).