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onion boil recipe

Onion Boil Recipe

A cozy, comforting Onion Boil made with sweet, tender onions simmered in a buttery, garlicky broth until soft and flavorful. Simple ingredients, one pot, and big comfort vibes — perfect for easy weeknight dinners or lazy weekends when you want something warm and satisfying without the drama.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 –8 large onions yellow or sweet onions work best — they caramelize beautifully!
  • 3 –4 cloves garlic smashed or minced (garlic = life, don’t skip)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth or mix it with water if you’re feeling frugal
  • 2 tablespoons butter for extra richness — trust me, don’t skip
  • 1 –2 tablespoons olive oil for browning the onions
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional extras: small potatoes sausage links, corn on the cob, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley

Instructions
 

Prep like a pro (or at least try)

  • Peel those onions — yes, it’s teary business, but it’s worth it. Slice them into thick rings or half-moons, whatever makes your soul happy. Smash or mince that garlic, too. If you’re adding potatoes or corn, cut those into bite-sized chunks.

Sauté those beauties

  • Heat olive oil and butter in a big pot over medium heat. Toss in the onions and garlic. Stir occasionally, letting them soften and slowly caramelize. Babe, this part is where your kitchen starts smelling like heaven. Be patient — we’re going for golden, sweet, soft onions, not sad, soggy mush.

Bring in the broth

  • Once the onions are caramelized just right, pour in your broth. Give it a gentle stir, scrape the bottom (all those yummy browned bits = flavor jackpot), and season with salt and pepper. Optional: add fresh herbs or a pinch of sugar if your onions need a lil’ sweetness boost.

Add your extras (if you’re feeling frisky)

  • This is the part where you can get creative. Toss in halved potatoes, corn chunks, or pre-cooked sausage links. Cover the pot and let it simmer on medium-low heat until everything is tender and infused with onion-y goodness — usually about 20–25 minutes.

Taste, adjust, and swoon

  • Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Maybe a little more salt, maybe a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The smell alone will make you want to eat it straight from the pot, but resist for a sec — it’s better after it’s rested a bit.

Serve it up, queen

  • Dish it out family-style or in individual bowls. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle a little olive oil on top or sprinkle with fresh parsley. And babe, don’t forget crusty bread on the side — it’s literally a must.

Notes

  • Sweet or yellow onions work best — they soften beautifully and turn slightly caramelized while cooking.
  • Butter adds richness, but you can swap it for olive oil if you prefer a lighter version.
  • This recipe is super flexible — add potatoes, corn, sausage, or herbs to make it heartier.
  • Let the Onion Boil rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors fully settle.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day.
Keyword Onion Boil Recipe