How to Make Caramelized Onions Recipe

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Caramelized onions make a delicious addition to so many dishes. Sweet and savory, caramelized onions take such a basic ingredient to a whole new level!

Caramelized Onions from addapinch.com

I absolutely adore caramelized onions. They are simply delicious right by themselves, but when you pile them on top of a burger, pasta, steak or even on top of a pizza, they just amp up the flavor of that dish! They do take a bit of time to get just right and aren’t pleased when you try to rush them.

Caramelized Onions from addapinch.com

I love recipes that take something as basic and already delicious as an onion and then just makes it even better for other uses. You can use any type of onion you prefer, I generally like to use a sweet onion like a Vidalia onion when they are in season or a sweet Spanish onion.

Caramelized Onions from addapinch.com

I slice my onions into large rings and then separate them into my skillet over low-medium heat with a bit of butter or olive oil. The heat is important. You want it warm enough to heat your skillet and slowly cook your onions, but definitely low enough so as not to overcook them quickly. Low and slow is the key here. I use my cast iron skillet primarily as I think it is a wonderful conductor of heat. It provides even, consistent heating throughout the pan. If you don’t have a skillet, a really good saute pan works fine as well.

Caramelized Onions from addapinch.com

While you’ll want to watch them to make sure they aren’t cooking too quickly, for the most part, you’ll leave them to work their own magic in the skillet, only stirring them occasionally.

Caramelized Onions from addapinch.com

You can remove them from the heat when they’ve reached the point you prefer them. My husband likes them removed earlier than I do, at about 30 – 40 minutes. I prefer them to have a deep, rich caramelization and let them cook more like 45-50 minutes. You’ll find the timing that works best for you and your family. Just remember that they’ll reduce down the longer they are cooked and increase the amount of onions you are caramelizing so that you have plenty for serving.

Caramelized Onions from addapinch.com

Here’s my caramelized onions recipe. I think you’ll love piling them on top of so many dishes or eating them right by themselves!

How to Make Caramelized Onions Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes
Caramelized onions make a delicious addition to so many dishes. Sweet and savory, caramelized onions take such a basic ingredient to a whole new level!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon butter , or olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced into rings
  • kosher salt, to taste

Instructions 

  • Heat skillet or saute pan over low-medium heat. Add butter or olive oil to skillet. Separate onion slices into rings and add to your skillet. Watch onions to make sure they are cooking low and slowly, adjusting the temperature as needed. Stir only occasionally. Cook until onions have reached desired coloring, between 30-50 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 176IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoy!
Robyn xo

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

4.50 from 2 votes

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Recipe Review




10 Comments

  1. paul says:

    love it thankyou

  2. Brenda A Maurer says:

    I would like to be able to view your recipes using caramelized onions.

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Brenda, enter Caramelized Onions in the Search button on top right side of page and all recipes with that ingredient are listed.

  3. Kim Honeycutt says:

    5 stars
    Onions turned into candy…….OMG!! There’s just something about cooking them this way! You know I’m pinning this!

  4. Laura Madsen says:

    Have you ever tried slicing up a bunch of onions and putting them in the slow cooker with a bit of butter or oil? Just leave for quite a few hours on low. Perfect caramelized onions. You can freeze them in small amounts for future use whenever you want them.

  5. Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction says:

    Robyn,
    I love caramelized onions and make them often. The only way they can be made better is by using Vidalia onions. Oh, man are they delish!
    Annamaria

  6. Michael moore says:

    4 stars
    Agree wholeheartedly……. You can speed up the process somewhat if you cover the onions, only removing the cover to stir them……and just a pinch or two of fine Adriatic sea salt……

  7. Gaby says:

    Caramelized onions are kind of like bacon, they make everything better!