Best Grilled Onions

May 12, 2026

Here’s the best grilled onions recipe that comes out sweet, smoky, and perfectly charred! All you need are three ingredients and 15 minutes for the easiest grilled side dish of summer.

Say hello to one of the best summer side dishes out there: grilled onions! The grill does wonders to this layered vegetable: the flavor turns from spicy to sweet and a little smoky. It becomes a tender and charred version of its former self, and the bright pink color is simply vibrant!

When we’re grilling, Alex and I make sure to throw in red onions with a pile of other grilled vegetables because they add incredible flavor. They’re a perfect side to grilled shrimp or burgers: or even as a burger topping!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Onions and the grill are the perfect pairing! Because they’re are so perfectly suited to grilling, you barely need to season them at all. When Alex first pulled these off of the grill, I kept asking “What did you put on these?” Nope, onions barely need any seasoning to taste like a revelation. Here are the 3 ingredients you need to make grilled onions:

Red onions: My top pick for grilling is red onions because they hold their shape and have a beautiful color. But yellow or sweet onions (like Vidalia) work great too! You can also use a mix of onions which looks nice.
Olive oil: I like to use extra-virgin olive oil for all my grilling.
Kosher salt: This really brings out the natural sweetness of the onion as the sugars caramelize.

How to Cut Onions for the Grill (the Most Important Step)

Here’s the number one most important thing about making grilled onions: cut them so the root end stays intact. Here’s why:

Keep the root intact so the layers stay together on the grill. Otherwise, the onion will separate into layers and all the layers will fall into the grates. If you accidentally do this, it’s ok! You’ll just need to use a grill basket or sheet of foil and place that over the grates.
Cut the onion in half, then make wedges by cutting just below the root. This lets the layers all stay attached with the root end. See the photos for details!

How to Grill Onions Step-by-Step

Use the right cutting technique (above), and you can grill the onions right on the grates! It’s fast and easy: just cook them until they’re charred and tender. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the recipe):

Preheat a grill to medium high heat. That’s about 375 to 450 degrees.
Slice the onions into wedges, leaving the root end in tact. This lets the layers stay together on the grill.
Toss with olive oil and salt. It’s all you need
Grill on the grates for 8 to 10 minutes. Cook until charred and tender, turning once.

Ways To Serve Them

Grilled onions are a great side dish to any summer grilled dinner! Here are a few main dishes that pair well with the sweet tender goodness of red onions:

Veggie burger: Try my Best Veggie Burger, which holds up on the grill just like a meat burger. Or add onions to a Portobello Mushroom Burger.
Shrimp: Grilled Shrimp, Blackened Shrimp, or Grilled Scallops make a great pairing.
Grilled tofu: This Grilled Tofu will make you a believer.
Grilled fish: You must try these with my Perfect Grilled Salmon or Grilled Ahi Tuna.
Grilled chicken: I am obsessed with these Grilled Chicken Thighs and Grilled Chicken Breast.

Grilled Sides That Pair Well with Onions

If you’re already firing up the grill, lean into it. These are the veggies I throw on alongside red onions whenever I’m cooking for a crowd:

How to Store Grilled Onions

Grilled onions are best eaten the day they’re cooked, but leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes. They’re super delicious on a sandwich (like a burrata sandwich) or on tacos (like black bean tacos)!

Dietary Notes

This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grill onions in foil instead of directly on the grates?

Yes! Wrap the wedges in a foil packet with the oil and salt and grill for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll get tender, jammy onions without as much visible char: a good option if your grates are already crowded with proteins.

Why are my grilled onions falling apart?

The root end of the onion is what holds the layers together, so if you trim it off or cut all the way through it, the wedges will separate. Leave the root fully attached and slice toward it, not through it.

Can I use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the grill?

Yes, and this is great if your grates are wide-set. Heat the pan on the grill, then add the seasoned wedges and cook the same 8 to 10 minutes.