Grilled Onion Flowers
Transform your outdoor cooking game with these stunning *Grilled Onion Flowers*—a simple yet impressive recipe that elevates humble sweet onions into a visually striking and flavorful creation. Each onion is delicately sliced to resemble a blooming flower, then marinated in a smoky, tangy blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and spices. As they grill, the onions become tender and caramelized, with lightly charred edges that enhance their natural sweetness. This recipe is perfect for summer barbecues, serving as a crowd-pleasing side dish or a unique appetizer. Garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, these Grilled Onion Flowers deliver a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Easy to prepare and grill-ready in just 15 minutes, they’re sure to become a staple in your warm-weather recipe rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces large sweet onions (e.g., Vidalia or Walla Walla)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Peel the outer layer of the onions, keeping them whole and removing the roots as little as possible to hold their shape.
Using a sharp knife, cut each onion into wedges, making sure to stop about 1/2 inch from the root so the pieces stay connected. You should have 8 'petals' per onion. Gently separate the petals to resemble a flower but avoid breaking them apart entirely.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the onions on a large sheet of aluminum foil, one onion per sheet. Drizzle the marinade over each onion, ensuring the liquid seeps between the petals for maximum flavor.
Wrap each onion loosely in its aluminum foil sheet, sealing the edges tightly to form a packet.
Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F/190°C). Place the foil-wrapped onions directly on the grill grates.
Cook for 25 minutes, then carefully open the foil packets to expose the onions. Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 5 minutes to lightly char the edges of the petals.
Remove the onions from the grill and transfer them to a serving plate. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color.
Serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer and enjoy the tender, caramelized, smoky flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
856 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.2 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.8 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2415 mg | 105% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 83.0 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.8 g | 42% | |
| Total Sugars | 54.3 g | ||
| Protein | 7.7 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 193 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 980 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
