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    Home » Recipes » Sauce, Spread and Seasoning Recipes

    Easy Caramelized Onions Recipe

    Published: July 28, 2019 Updated: February 20, 2020 / By: Dawn | Girl Heart Food 43 Comments

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    Caramelized onions in a pan being stirred by a wooden spoon.

    Looking for a delicious recipe for caramelized onions? Here are some easy step-by-step instructions for making the very best caramelized onions that you could use on all your favourite foods, like pizza, burgers and more!

    Caramelized onions in a pan being stirred by a wooden spoon.

    Hi friends!

    Hope your weekend is going great! We had a lovely one around here with lots of sunshine and I couldn’t be happier.

    Of course, I have been cooking (what’s new, right?) and cut what seemed like 5 bazillion pounds of onions to use in recipes … not just any onions, though, delicious caramelized onions. They take any recipe to the next level. Seriously good!

    So, there I was this weekend, in my kitchen bawling my eyeballs out whilst cutting onions. Totally worth it, though, LOL.

    What Are Caramelized Onions?

    Onions, like a lot of produce, naturally have sugar in them. When you cook onions low and slow, essentially you are encouraging the release of those sugars, thus caramelizing them. As the onions cook and soften, sugars are released and they get golden brown, sweet and delicious!

    Caramelized onions are not fried onions.

    Best Onion To Use

    For caramelizing onions, I usually use yellow onions (because they’re so readily available and they have a great taste). White onions, shallots or even red onions would work too.

    Quantity of Onions Needed

    When caramelizing onions, they cook down a lot. I would recommend using no less than 1 pound of onions and up to 3 pounds (or more if you really want lots).

    The size of onions can vary dramatically. On average, though, there are about 3 to 4 yellow medium-sized onions in one pound. To be sure, use your grocery store scale.

    For this recipe, I opted for the middle ground … two pounds of onions, which will yield a little more than 1 cup of caramelized onions.

    This is about the size of yellow onion I used.

    Hand holding an unpeeled yellow onion.

    Thickness of the Onions

    Slice the onions roughly ⅛-inch to ¼-inch thick.

    Of course, it’s no biggie if you happen to cut some a little thicker, but aim for roughly that thickness.

    You don’t want the onions too thin because they may burn.

    How to Slice an Onion

    Whenever slicing any produce (or anything) and using a sharp knife, be careful!!

    1. Get your cutting board out, along with a sharp knife. Slice the onion in half.
    2. Trim both ends ends (stem and root) off each half and discard.
    3. Peel the onion and remove/discard any tough inner layers (if there are any).
    4. For each onion half, lay the onion flat (cut side down) on your cutting board and start to slice.
    5. Once you get so far into slicing, turn the onion over so it lays flat again and continue slicing.
    6. Now you have perfectly sliced onion ready to be used!
    Collage of steps to thinly slice an onion.

    Best Pan To Use

    Use a large pan, about 12 inches in diameter.

    Pick a stainless steel pan, cast-iron pan or an enameled cast-iron pan (which is what I used).

    Oil To Use

    Use a combination of butter and olive oil. Butter alone may burn.

    I used a salted butter, but you could use unsalted. Because I used salted butter I didn’t season the onion at the end of cook time, but you could season if you prefer.

    Temperature To Cook On

    On the low side! Low and slow is the way to go when caramelizing onions. You want to slowly encourage the sugars to release from the onions while cooking them.

    I set my burner to medium-low.

    Tip: Pans can vary in how they conduct heat, as well as your heat source (stove). Use your judgement! If you see that the onions are frying or burning, turn the temperature down.

    How Long It Takes To Make

    This is a labour of love here. Don’t start the onions and then leave them. Grab your favourite beverage, turn on some tunes and settle in to make the best caramelized onions ever!

    You’re looking at about 40 to 60 minutes from start to finish. The range is because, of course, it will take less time to cook one pound of onions compared to, say, three pounds. Also, some people may like their caramelized onions deeper in colour than others.

    How To Make Caramelized Onions

    Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:

    In a large pan over medium-low heat, add olive oil and butter. Heat until the butter is melted.

    Oil and melted butter in a pan.

    Add onions to the pan to begin cooking them.

    Tip: If you’re using a lot of onions, like more than 2 pounds, you could add the onions in batches. Add some and cook for a just a few minutes, then repeat one or two more times until all the onions are in the pan. Then caramelize!

    Sliced onions in a pan before being cooked.

    Stir onions to coat in the butter and oil mixture. After a little bit, they start to soften.

    Sliced onions in a pan that are just slightly cooked.

    Okay, now that the onions are in the pan, patience is key. Allow the onions to slowly cook, stirring periodically (about every 5 to 10 minutes). You’ll notice that they are starting to turn slightly golden in colour.

    Onions cooking in a pan, starting to get a little golden in colour.

    You’ll start to see the onions release their sugars. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the little golden bits from the bottom of the pan, stirring back into the onions. That’s goodness right there!

    Using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan while cooking onions.

    Every once in a while, deglaze with a little hot water (use hot water, or even boil the kettle), scrapping up excess brown bits and stirring back into the onions. Use 3 to 4 tablespoons of water at a time.

    A measuring cup of water about to be poured into a pan of caramelized onions.

    The water is useful because it helps getting those really stuck on brown bits and it helps to cook the onions. I typically use ¾ cup to a cup or so of hot water over the whole cooking process.

    After deglazing, using a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits off the pan from cooking onions.

    Continue cooking until they’ve reached a nice caramel colour! You could even cook them further if you like.

    When you’ve reached your desired doneness, deglaze one more time with a little hot water, ensuring you get every last bit of that brown goodness on the bottom and side of the pan. Now your onions are ready to be enjoyed!

    Caramelized onions in a pan.

    Storing and Enjoying

    Properly store cooled caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and enjoy within 3 to 4 days.

    Can I Freeze Caramelized Onions?

    Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months.

    Store cooled caramelized onions into a sealable freezer-safe bag. Seal and press flat so you have a “sheet” of caramelized onions. Don’t forget to label the bag with what it is (and the date it was made). Thaw when ready to enjoy and use in your favourite recipes.

    Alternatively, distribute cooled caramelized onions into an ice-cube tray and freeze. You can pop some out, thaw and use as needed.

    Ways To Use Them

    The possibilities are pretty much endless. Caramelized onions are great for:

    • Soup and stews
    • Pizza
    • Crostini
    • Sandwiches and wraps
    • Sliders
    • Burgers (so good on burgers!)

    Hope you’ve enjoyed this easy caramelized onion recipe and use it to jazz up all kinds of good eats!

    Stay tuned because I have some delicious recipes using caramelized onions coming your way soon.

    If you make this recipe for caramelized onions, be sure to leave a comment below!

    Caramelized onions in a pan being stirred by a wooden spoon.

    Easy Caramelized Onions Recipe

    Dawn | Girl Heart Food
    Looking for an delicious recipe for caramelized onions? Here are some easy step-by-step instructions for making the very best caramelized onions that you could use on all your favourite foods, like pizza, burgers and more.
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Recipe Save RecipeSaved!
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
    Course Condiment
    Servings 1 cup and a bit (approximately)
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 pounds yellow onions, peeled and sliced about ⅛-inch to ¼-inch thick
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • 1 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 cup hot water, approximately
    • salt, to taste (optional)
    • freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)

    Instructions

    • Heat butter and olive oil in a 12-inch frying pan (like a cast-iron pan or enameled cast-iron pan) over medium-low heat.
    • Add onions to the frying pan, stirring to coat in the butter.
      Note for making caramelized onions: We are not frying onions here, we are caramelizing them. The whole process of caramelizing onions takes about 40 to 60 minutes. As you are cooking the onions, if you sense that your heat is too high, reduce it. You want to periodically stir the onions (so they don't burn), but not stir them too much. You want to allow them to get that lovely golden brown colour as they cook. As necessary throughout the cooking process, deglaze with a little water.
    • Allow the onions to slowly cook, stirring periodically, about every 5 to 10 minutes.
    • When stirring, scrape up any brown bits that have accumulated in the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, stirring those brown bits back into the onions.
    • Every once in a while when there are a lot of brown bits, deglaze with a little hot water, about 3 to 4 tablespoons at a time and scrape up those brown bits and incorporate them back into the onions.
    • Continue caramelizing the onions until they've reached your desired colour. As mentioned, the whole process will take anywhere from 40 to 60 minutes.
    • Once you've reached your desired doneness, deglaze with a little water one more time, scrapping up all the brown bits and stirring into the onions.
    • If you like, you can season with a little salt and black pepper. Use caramelized onions on your favourite sandwiches, burgers, appetizers and more!

    A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.

    Keyword caramelized onion recipe, garnish, topping

    Tried this recipe?

    If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sabrina

      August 05, 2019 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      Great tip on making these ahead! So delicious and there’s no substitute for the time and care taken for caramelized onions. Lovely post 🙂

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        August 07, 2019 at 1:12 pm

        I agree! Thank you Sabrina 🙂

        Reply
    2. mimi rippee

      August 04, 2019 at 3:48 pm

      Beautiful! It seems like when I make caramelized onions, they’re always for bratwurst! But you’ve inspired me to make a huge batch and keep them on hand. I’m now thinking omelets, enchiladas…

      Reply
    3. Ashlyn @ F5 Method

      July 31, 2019 at 10:12 pm

      Such a great tutorial dawn! I love caramelized onions and they are a super simple way to add flavor and sophistication to any dish.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        August 01, 2019 at 9:43 am

        Appreciate that, Ashlyn 🙂 Thank you so much!

        Reply
    4. Valentina

      July 31, 2019 at 4:12 pm

      5 stars
      Some people think butter and/or bacon makes everything better. For me it’s hands down, caramelized onions. Love all of the detailed steps you’ve illustrated for how to make them. YUM! ~Valentina

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        August 01, 2019 at 9:42 am

        Haha! They do add so much flavour, right?? Thank you very much, Valentina 🙂

        Reply
    5. [email protected] thetwincookingproject

      July 31, 2019 at 10:08 am

      Such a well explained recipe!!!! Love this. I love caramelised onions.

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        August 01, 2019 at 9:41 am

        Thank you very much 🙂 Me too!

        Reply
    6. Katie Crenshaw | A Fork's Tale

      July 31, 2019 at 8:27 am

      5 stars
      These are such great tips Dawn, and so helpful! I remember when I first began cooking how bad I messed up making these. It seems so simple, but it can go all wrong from under cooked crunchy textures to crispy burnt ends…. These caramelized onions are PERFECT!!!

      Reply
      • Dawn - Girl Heart Food

        August 01, 2019 at 9:41 am

        That you for the sweet comment, Katie!! XOXO

        Reply
    7. Kelly | Foodtasia

      July 31, 2019 at 5:36 am

      5 stars
      Oh yum, Dawn! Caramelized onions are a labor of love, but so worth it! I love keeping some in the fridge, they make so many things taste better. And thanks for the tips on cutting onions. I think I’ve been cutting onions wrong all these years – lol!

      Reply
    8. Matt - Total Feasts

      July 31, 2019 at 4:08 am

      I love caramelised onions, but I’m always impatient! I’d never considered making and freezing them. What a great idea!

      Reply
    9. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      July 31, 2019 at 1:22 am

      5 stars
      Yeees Dawn!!! We love caramelized onions, I don’t know why we don’t do it more often!! They’re so good on pizza, burgers, sandwiches…everything!!! I’ve got to whip up a big batch of these soon!

      Reply
    10. Elaine

      July 31, 2019 at 1:13 am

      5 stars
      Such complete and detailed instructions! These are a favourite in our house, but I haven’t made them for awhile. Thanks for the reminder! Pinned!

      Reply
    11. Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl

      July 30, 2019 at 7:36 pm

      5 stars
      Dawn, these look absolutely fantastic!! I could eat the entire bowl full of them LOL! Or maybe I’d love them best on a burger…or pizza…or a sandwich…honestly, I’ll take these anytime anywhere – definitely going to try this one out, girlfriend! XO!

      Reply
    12. Marissa

      July 30, 2019 at 6:51 pm

      5 stars
      Love this super thorough tutorial on making the perfect caramelized onions, Dawn! Thank you! They look perfect! So delicious and versatile from piling on sandwiches to making fantastic soup!

      Reply
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