The Side Dish That's Taking Over Summer Cookouts

If you’re a fan of onions, butter, and bold spices, this trend was practically made for you. Like so many viral recipes before it, the onion boil isn’t exactly new—it’s more of a creative twist on classic comfort food, blending flavors and techniques that have existed for ages. But thanks to TikTok’s recipe remix culture, this buttery baked onion is getting its moment in the sun.

What’s an onion boil, exactly?

Despite the name, no actual boiling is involved. An onion boil starts with a whole onion—usually yellow or white—hollowed out and stuffed with butter. It’s then coated in a savory spice mix (think garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and salt), doused in even more melted butter, wrapped tightly in foil, and baked until soft and tender. The result? An ultra-flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth side dish that’s reminiscent of the buttery, spicy goodness you’d find in a seafood boil.

Think of it as the seafood boil’s low-budget, low-effort cousin—delivering those signature Cajun-inspired flavors without the need for crab legs or shrimp (or a giant outdoor pot). It’s the perfect solution if you’re craving that bold, buttery vibe but don’t have the budget or setup for a full-on boil.

How did it go viral?

The onion boil started making waves last fall, thanks to creators like Alivia Donai (@alividdonai), whose video showing how she preps and bakes an onion boil racked up over 1.8 million views. In her version, she cuts off the onion’s ends, scoops out the center, fills it with Kerrygold butter, and pours a butter-and-Cajun seasoning mix over the top before baking it in foil. The finishing touch? A sprinkle of fresh parsley once it’s out of the oven.

Other TikTok chefs have spun the recipe their own way. Caroline Hadley (@carebearsbite) adds a chicken bouillon cube inside for an extra umami kick. And while it’s hard to trace the exact creator who started it all, many credit Mimi Baretela (@doll_mimi), who shared her baked onion technique last summer, seasoning hers with everything from garlic salt to turmeric to Trader Joe’s 21 Seasoning Salute.

“I know everyone’s heard of an egg boil, a seafood boil—but an onion boil?” Mimi joked in one of her early videos, drawing comparisons to another TikTok sensation: the egg boil, where hard-boiled eggs are coated in buttery, spicy seasoning.

Why it works

Sure, an onion boil might not sound like an obvious showstopper, but it checks all the boxes for a viral hit:

• Minimal ingredients

• Big, bold flavors

• Affordable and easy to make

• Comfort food vibes with a trendy twist

Like a seafood boil, the onion boil invites sharing—whether served at a summer cookout or enjoyed solo. It’s a clever, budget-friendly way to get those bold, buttery flavors without the seafood or outdoor setup.

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So, will the onion boil dethrone classics like mac and cheese or grilled corn as the go-to summer side? Maybe, maybe not—but it’s certainly earning its spot at the table. Easy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, this buttery baked onion brings all the cozy, seasoned goodness of a seafood boil in a simpler, more affordable form.