Roasted Pearl Onions with Creamy Horseradish Sauce

Name: Roasted Pearl Onions with Creamy Horseradish Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bags (14.4 oz each) frozen white pearl onions; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp prepared horseradish; 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Roasted pearl onions with a creamy horseradish sauce deliver zesty, caramelized flavor in a low-calorie appetizer that requires minimal prep and rivals deep-fried bloomin' onions.

🌍American 🏷️Roasted onions 🏷️Pearl onions 🏷️Appetizer 🏷️Horseradish sauce Dipping sauce

🏷️

🏷️Game-day

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TikTok

Total

40 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$16–$26

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

2 bags (14.4 oz each) frozen white pearl onions
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp Dijon mustard

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Instructions

1
Place two bags of frozen pearl onions into a large microwave-safe bowl.
2
Microwave the onions for 5 minutes to defrost them.
3
Drizzle the defrosted onions with avocado oil, then sprinkle liberally with garlic powder and paprika.
4
Toss the onions until they are evenly coated with oil and spices.
5
Spread the seasoned onions in a single layer on air fryer racks.
6
Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
7
While the onions are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, and Dijon mustard.
8
Mix the sauce ingredients until well combined, then chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
9
After the first 15 minutes of cooking, switch the position of the air fryer racks to ensure even cooking.
10
Continue to air fry for another 15 minutes at 400°F until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
11
Serve the roasted pearl onions immediately with the chilled horseradish sauce.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Spread pearl onions in a single layer on the sheet pan and shake halfway through roasting for even caramelization on all sides.
Do not skip patting frozen onions dry before seasoning—excess moisture prevents browning and creates steam.
Toast paprika in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding to the oil mixture to deepen its flavor and reduce any bitter notes.
Make the horseradish sauce while onions roast so it's chilled and ready by serving time.

Substitutions

avocado oil → olive oil or refined vegetable oil
paprika → smoked paprika (adds smokiness) or cayenne (increases heat)
prepared horseradish → fresh grated horseradish mixed with vinegar (stronger bite; start with 1 tsp and adjust)

Storage & make-ahead

Store roasted onions and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Reheat onions at 350°F for 5 minutes; serve sauce chilled or at room temperature.

Common Questions

Do I need to thaw the frozen pearl onions before roasting?

No—frozen pearl onions can go straight from the bag to the sheet pan. Simply pat them dry if excess ice crystals are present, then toss with oil and seasonings.

How do I know when the pearl onions are done roasting?

Roast until the exteriors are deeply caramelized and the onions are golden brown on all sides (about 25–30 minutes at 425°F). The insides should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Can I make the horseradish sauce ahead of time?

Yes—mix the mayonnaise, prepared horseradish, and Dijon mustard up to 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate; stir before serving.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

Sour cream (tangier) or Greek yogurt (lighter) work well. Use equal amounts and adjust mustard to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—all ingredients (frozen onions, avocado oil, spices, mayo, horseradish, and Dijon mustard) are naturally gluten-free. Always verify condiment labels.