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.
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:
PrintCaramelized Onions
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramelized onions are rich, sweet, and savory, perfect for adding depth to burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, and more. Slowly cooked to perfection, they bring a natural sweetness that enhances a variety of dishes. Learn how to make perfect caramelized onions at home with this easy recipe.
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)
Instructions
- Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted.
- Add the thinly sliced onions, stirring to coat them evenly in the butter and oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, for 40-50 minutes until the onions are soft and golden brown.
- For extra sweetness, stir in balsamic vinegar and sugar during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
Stir the onions every 5-10 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth, or sugar for increased sweetness.
Caramelized onions can be made in large batches and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Topping
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 60 kcal per serving
Keywords: caramelized onions, slow-cooked onions, sweet onions, how to make caramelized onions, caramelized onions for burgers, onion toppings