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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Dips & Preserves » How to Caramelize Onions Three Ways

    How to Caramelize Onions Three Ways

    Published: Feb 11, 2023 by Barbara Curry · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Caramelized onions add a rich and sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. The slow cooking process transforms their natural sweetness and results in a rich flavor that elevates any dish they are added to. But what’s the best way to turn an onion into these beautiful gems. There are three main ways to caramelize onions, find the one that works best for you.

    Onions that have been caramelized in a skillet.

    Caramelized onions are heavenly bits of flavor, but the traditional cooking method takes about an hour. The good thing is that they freeze well, so you can make a large batch and have some when you want some extra flavor in your recipe.

    Not only does the caramelization process take an hour, but you need to be around to stir them occasionally to get even cooking. Is it worth it?

    How can you use caramelized onions

    There are so many things to do with caramelized onions, here are just a few ideas.

    1. Sour cream onion dip – mix caramelized onions with sour cream and get a dip so much better than the boxed version.
    2. Appetizers – use them in French onion crostinis or make some puff pastry bites. They’re great combined with pears in pizzettes.
    3. Burgers – add them to the top of your burger or to a grilled cheese.
    4. Pizza – adding to a pizza can add a sweet and savory flavor.
    5. Pasta – mix some in to any pasta dish for a boost of flavor.
    6. Quiche and omelettes – try my favorite quiche with caramelized onions or add them to your favorite egg dish.
    7. Rice – stir some caramelized onions into rice for added flavor.
    8. Soup – you can add them into your favorite chicken soup for a little sweetness.
    9. French onion soup – it’s all about the caramelized onions.

    What are the best onions to use

    Regardless of how you caramelize onions, the best type of onion to use is a sweet variety such as Vidalia onions grown mostly in Georgia. These onions have a higher sugar content which help them caramelize and develop a deep rich flavor.

    You can caramelize other types of onions, in fact I like to some add shallots to the Vidalias when I caramelize them to add to the flavor mix.

    You can caramelize white onions and red onions, but the flavor will be sharper and not as sweet.

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      What is the best way to caramelize onions

      How you caramelize onions can depend on how you want to use them. If you are just going for flavor and the texture and color doesn’t matter, than you can save some time and use an Instant Pot.

      If you are using them in a dip, where you only want the flavor that they add, then a slow cooker can save you some effort.

      But if you want that beautiful deep brown color and the texture of perfectly caramelized onions, I’m sorry to say, you’re going to have devote about an hour to the project, the best caramelized onions are done on the stovetop. Just do two pans at once and freeze them for later.

      Pro tip: To speed up the process of caramelizing onions, try to slice onions as thin as you can. Use a mandolin or slice them as thin as your knife skills will allow.

      What you need to caramelize onions

      • Onions – use a sweet onion like Vidalias, add in some shallots for a mixture of flavor. If adding shallots, make sure you slice them the same thickness as the sweet onions or they will burn.
      • Salt – you need to salt the onions when you start. This helps the water evaporate quicker.
      • Butter – you can also use vegetable oil, but I think butter adds more flavor.

      How to make caramelized onions on the stovetop

      You need to start with a large skillet, this gives you more cooking surface and will speed things up. This is going to take an hour.

      Step 1 – slice the onions

      You want to slice them as thin as you can. Cut the onion in half and slice into half moon slices.

      Onions sliced in half moon shapes on a cutting board.
      Thinly slice onions into half moon shapes.

      Step 2 – start to cook the onions

      Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add onions and salt them.

      Onions and shallots in a skillet.
      Add the onions to a skillet over medium heat.

      Stir them occasionally and cook for about 20 minutes until they have started to soften and are starting to turn brown.

      Onions that have been cooked for 20 minutes on the stove.
      Turn down the heat when they start to turn brown.

      Step 3 – turn down the heat

      Turn the heat to low and let them cook stirring occasionally until they are a deep caramel color but not black, about 40 more minutes. If the onions start to stick to the surface of the skillet, you can add a splash of water.

      Onions that have been caramelized in a skillet.
      Remove from the heat when they are a deep brown.

      Instant Pot caramelized onions

      You can quickly caramelize onions in an Instant pot. It will save you time and they will get brown, just not as brown as on the stove top and they will be a little mushy. These are fine for adding to dips or soup.

      Step 1 – slice the onions

      This is the same as on the stove top.

      Step 2 – add to the Instant Pot

      Add sliced onions, butter and salt to the Instant pot. Secure the lid and put the vent to seal. Cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. Immediately release the pressure valve and carefully remove the lid.

      Onions in an instant pot.
      Add onions, salt and butter to the Instant pot.

      Step 3 – saute

      Stir the onions and place in a strainer over the sink and remove as much liquid as you can. Return them to the Instant Pot and cook on the “Saute” setting stirring until the extra liquid is removed about 3-5 minutes.

      Partially cooked caramelized onions in an Instant Pot.
      Cook for 5 minutes and strain any liqud.
      Caramelized onions cooked in an Instant Pot.
      Saute for 5 minutes.

      Crock-Pot caramelized onions

      This was my least favorite method but it does take minimal effort. The onions are going to be mushy as the onions will retain more liquid, they will not turn golden brown, but they do have a good flavor. You these for soups or dips.

      Step 1 – slice the onions

      This is the same as for the stovetop method.

      Step 2 – add to the slow cooker

      Add sliced onions, butter and salt to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir and set the lid ajar and cook an additional 2-4 hours until they are brown. Strain the excess liquid.

      Onions in a crock pot.
      Place the onions with salt and butter and cook on low for 6 hours.
      Cooked onions in a crock pot.
      Open the lid and cook for 2-4 hours with the lid ajar.

      How to store caramelized onions

      You can store caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week or two. They also freeze well. Try freezing them in small Souper Cubes or ice cube trays and pull out the amount you need. They will stay fresh in the freezer for 3-6 months depending on whether you vacuum seal them or freeze in an airtight container.

      Common FAQs about caramelized onions

      Should I caramelize onions in oil or butter?

      You can caramelize onions in either or both. I prefer the flavor that the butter adds.

      Should you salt the onions before they cook?

      When caramelizing onions you want to add salt to them at the beginning of the cooking process. Onions won’t caramelize until the water has evaporated and salt will speed up that process.

      Should you stir onions while they are caramelizing?

      Yes, you should stir the onions occasionally while caramelizing to make sure they are cooking evenly. Otherwise, some will burn before the others have caramelized.

      Can you freeze caramelized onions?

      Caramelized onions freeze great, just let them cool and freeze in an airtight container.

      What is the best type of pan to use to caramelize onions?

      A cast iron skillet or stainless steel pans work best for caramelizing onions, but you can also use non-stick skillets. Cast iron retains heat better which will save you a little time.

      Favorite recipes with caramelized onions

      • Sour Cream and Onion Dip
      • Puff Pastry Appetizers – with Caramelized Onions
      • Caramelized Onion Crostini Appetizer
      • Tall Gruyere Cheese & Caramelized Onion Biscuits

      If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.

      A scoop of deep brown caramelized onions.

      How to Make Caramelized Onions Three Ways

      Author: Barbara Curry
      Caramelized onions add a rich and sweet flavor to a variety of dishes. The slow cooking process transforms their natural sweetness and results in a rich flavor that elevates any dish they are added to. But what's the best way to turn an onion into these beautiful gems. There are three main ways to caramelize onions, find the one that works best for you.
      5 from 1 vote
      Print Pin
      PREP: 10 minutes
      COOK: 1 hour
      Servings: 8

      Ingredients
       

      • 2 lbs vidalia onions thinly sliced
      • 2 tablespoons butter
      • 2 teaspoons salt
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      Instructions
       

      • Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
      • Add onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the onions have started to soften and turn slightly brown, about 20 minutes.
      • Turn the heat down to low and continue to cook, stirring occasionally so that they cook evenly. Continue to cook until they are a dark brown but not black, about 40 minutes.
      Barbara’s Tips + Notes
      • 2 pounds of onions will give you about a cup of caramelized onions.
      • Try to cut the onions as thin as you can.
      • Make sure you add salt at the. beginning.
      • A cast iron skillet will retain heat better and decrease the cooking time.
      • Don’t forget to stir occasionally so they cook evenly.

      Nutrition

      Calories: 61kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 613mg | Potassium: 136mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 0.3mg
      Follow Me On SocialDid you make this recipe? Mention @ButterandBaggage or tag #ButterandBaggage on Instagram!

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      Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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