Caramelized Onions

Name: Caramelized Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large yellow or white onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional); 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

Jump to Recipe

Caramelized onions add rich, sweet, and savory flavor to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re enhancing a burger, pizza, sandwich, or savory appetizer, these onions provide a depth of flavor that elevates any meal. Slowly cooking onions until their natural sugars caramelize results in a luxurious golden-brown ingredient that’s perfect for adding gourmet flair to everyday meals.

Ingredients:

4 large yellow or white onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)

1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

Directions:

Heat the Pan:

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The combination of butter and oil adds richness and prevents the onions from sticking to the pan.

Add the Onions:

Thinly slice the onions and add them to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly in the butter and oil mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt to help draw out moisture.

Cook Slowly:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the onions cook gently. After about 10 minutes, the onions will begin to soften and release their moisture. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Continue Cooking:

Allow the onions to cook for 40-50 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes. As they cook, the onions will develop a rich brown color. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent burning.

Add Optional Ingredients:

During the last 10 minutes of cooking, you can add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor and 1 teaspoon of sugar if you’d like additional sweetness.

Serve or Store:

Once the onions are a deep golden brown and fully caramelized, remove them from the heat. They can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Serving Tips:

Top your burgers and sandwiches: Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet layer of flavor to burgers, sliders, and sandwiches. Try them on grilled cheese or steak sandwiches for a gourmet touch.

Enhance pizza and flatbreads: Spread caramelized onions over pizza dough before adding other toppings like goat cheese, prosciutto, or mushrooms.

Add to salads and grain bowls: Incorporate them into salads, couscous, or quinoa bowls for extra depth of flavor.

Pair with meats and seafood: Serve alongside grilled or roasted meats such as steaks, pork chops, or chicken, or as a topping for grilled fish.

Include in savory tarts and quiches: Use caramelized onions in savory baked goods like tarts or quiches, where they add sweetness and complexity to the filling.

Serve with cheese boards: Caramelized onions complement a variety of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy brie, making them a great addition to a charcuterie board.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerate: Store leftover caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Let them cool completely before storing.

Freeze in portions: To store for longer, freeze the caramelized onions in small portions (ice cube trays work great) for up to 3 months. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheat for later use: When you’re ready to use frozen or refrigerated onions, simply reheat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can add a small amount of butter or oil if needed.

Use in different meals: Caramelized onions can be made in large batches and stored to add flavor to various dishes throughout the week, making meal prep easy and flavorful.

Related Recipes:

FAQs:

How long do caramelized onions last in the fridge?

Caramelized onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating.

Can I freeze caramelized onions?

Yes! Caramelized onions freeze well. Portion them into small containers or ice cube trays, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Do I have to add sugar or balsamic vinegar to caramelized onions?

Sugar and balsamic vinegar are optional additions. The onions’ natural sugars will caramelize on their own, but adding sugar or balsamic vinegar can enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor.

Can I speed up the caramelization process?

While it may be tempting to increase the heat, cooking the onions slowly over low heat is essential to achieve the best caramelized flavor. Rushing the process may cause the onions to burn or cook unevenly.

Conclusion:

Caramelized onions are a simple yet powerful way to elevate your dishes. Their sweet and savory flavor makes them an ideal addition to a variety of meals, from burgers to pizzas. With patience and a few key ingredients, you can make the perfect caramelized onions every time. Enjoy the depth of flavor they bring to your favorite dishes!

📖 Recipe: