Great Great Aunt Jessie's 1940's Grilled Onion Halves

Transport your taste buds back to the 1940s with Great Great Aunt Jessie's Grilled Onion Halves—an easy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for cookouts and family gatherings. This nostalgic recipe highlights large yellow onions, halved and grilled to caramelized perfection, with a delectable blend of olive oil, butter, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a touch of herbal freshness. Optional balsamic vinegar adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness to elevate the dish even further. With a quick 10-minute prep time and simple steps, these tender, smoky grilled onions make a versatile accompaniment to grilled meats, burgers, or your favorite veggie platters. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or seeking a unique vintage-inspired recipe, this timeless dish combines rustic charm with bold, comforting flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces large yellow onions
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Peel the yellow onions, trimming both ends slightly to remove the root and stem without cutting too much into the flesh.

Step 2

Slice each onion in half vertically, keeping the layers intact for grilling.

Step 3

Preheat your grill to medium heat or prepare a grilling pan on your stovetop.

Step 4

Brush the cut side of each onion half generously with olive oil and sprinkle each with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 5

Place the onions cut-side down onto the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they begin to develop deep grill marks and caramelize. Avoid moving them too often to allow them to sear properly.

Step 6

Flip the onions over so the flat, cut side is facing up. Place a small pat of butter (about 1/4 tablespoon) in the center of each onion half.

Step 7

Cover the grill or use a lid to trap heat, cooking the onions for an additional 15-20 minutes, until they are tender and the butter has melted into the layers.

Step 8

Once cooked, sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the onions and drizzle with balsamic vinegar, if desired, for added sweetness and acidity.

Step 9

Serve warm as a delicious side dish or topping for grilled meats, burgers, or vegetable dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(696.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	959.8

Total Fat 79.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.0g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 2533.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 57.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 28.1g
Protein 7.2g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 163.0mg	0%
Iron 1.5mg	0%
Potassium 964.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.5%

Protein: 2.9%

Carbs: 23.6%