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    Home » Recipes » Condiments

    How To Make Caramelized Onions

    Published: Aug 19, 2021 · Modified: Aug 23, 2022 by Laura Reigel · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump To Recipe Comments Jump To Video
    how to make caramelized onions

    Caramelized onions are a sweet and savory condiment must-have for burgers and meatloaf, not to mention Pizza toppings.

    Slow-cooking sliced onions in butter renders the natural sugars in the onions. The sugar brown produces a flavor-packed

    Learn how easy it is to caramelize onions, and now you have the best burger topping and the perfect start to making Onion Jam or my French Onion Dip.

    What You'll Need

    • A large skillet so that you have enough surface area.
    • Onions, peeled and sliced. 2 large onions. I like to use yellow onions or sweet onions, caramelized red onions are fantastic on burgers.
    • Butter helps to brown the sugars from the onions.
    • Salt adds flavor and helps break the onions down and release their sugars.

    How to Caramelize Onions

    Making the best caramelized onions takes patience. You will need a minimum of 40 to 45 minutes, and you'll want to watch them closely and stir almost continuously to ensure they brown evenly.

    Step 1 - Peel and slice the onions.

    Cut off each end, slice the onions in half and remove the skin. Then thinly slice the onions.

    two onions sliced, ready to make caramelized onions

    Melt the butter over medium-high heat.

    Add the onions and the salt to the melted butter and cook slowly over medium heat until the onions are translucent and tender.

    melting butter in a skillet
    add the onions and the salt to the pan

    Cook the onions while stirring frequently.

    Once the onions are translucent and soft, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the onions turn a golden brown. Add one tablespoon of water or vinegar to deglaze the pan if needed.

    cook the onions slowly of medium heat
    stir as the onions caramelize
    Add a little water or vinegar to deglaze the pan
    caramelized onions recipe

    FAQs and Expert Tips

    What is the difference between caramelized onions and sauteed onions?

    Sauteed onions are cooked until they are soft and translucent. Caramelized onions are cooked longer, rendering out more of the sugars in the onions. The rendered sugars turn a golden brown and produce an intense savory-sweet flavor.

    How long does it take for onions to caramelize?

    You will need about 40 to 45 minutes to caramelize onions. You don't want to rush this process.

    Why won't my onions caramelize?

    If your onions aren't caramelizing, you may have the temperature too low or you just haven't given them enough time.

    Do caramelized onions have sugar?

    Only the natural sugars from the onions are present in caramelized onions.

    How To Store

    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

    How to Use Caramelized Onions

    Caramelized onions are most notably used to make French Onion Soup. Don't stop there! Use them to make a savory onion jam, top your favorite sandwich or pizza.

    • Onion Jam Recipe
    • Pizza Toppings
    pizza toppings list with a glass of rose

    ➽ Did you make this recipe? I love to see what's going on in your kitchen. Please show me what you're cooking. 🍳 Tag me @foodologygeek on your favorite social channel! Facebook, Instagram & Pinterest. If you loved ❤︎ this recipe, please leave a five ★ review and a comment!

    caramelized onions recipe
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    How to Make Caramelized Onions

    Laura Reigel
    Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element to so many dishes. The best-caramelized onions are a must-have for Burgers and Meatloaf. Not to mention my Potato and Caramelized Onion Pizza toppings.
    PRINT PIN SAVE SAVED
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 45 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Condiment
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 47 kcal

    Equipment

    • large skillet

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 Onions
    • 1 tablespoons Butter
    • ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
    • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar or water to deglaze the pan
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Peel and slice the onions. Cut off each end, slice the onions in half and remove the skin. Then thinly slice the onions.
    • Melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onions and the salt.
    • Cook the onions while stirring frequently. Once the onions are translucent and soft reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook until the onions start to turn a golden brown.
    • Deglaze the pan. If needed, add vinegar or water to deglaze the pan.

    Video

    Laura's Tips + Notes

    • Onions, peeled and sliced. 2 large onions. I like to use yellow onions or sweet onions, caramelized red onions are fantastic on burgers.
    • Butter helps to brown the sugars from the onions.
    • Salt adds flavor and helps break the onions down and release their sugars.

    YOUR OWN NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.25cupCalories: 47kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 318mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword butter, condiment, onions
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Snap a 📸 and share it. Tag me @foodologygeek and don't forget to hashtag #foodologygeek!


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    About Laura Reigel

    Laura is the owner and CEO of Foodology Geek. She holds a degree in Physiology and Neuroscience as well as a Certification as a Nutrition Coach. Laura uses her love of cooking and science to create healthy real food recipes that you'll love eating.

    As a certified recipe hoarder, and meal prep maven Laura is passionate about sharing her love for cooking easy from-scratch recipes. She also shares the occasional family recipe and all of the technical details.

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    Hi, I'm Laura! Welcome to Foodology Geek restaurant-inspired recipes & culinary science.

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