How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (2024)

Caramelized onions add such great flavor to so many dishes. I’m sharing exactly how I caramelize onions, plus some of my favorite recipes featuring them!

Caramelized onions are one of those ingredients that I love having on hand, yet rarely make. The process for caramelizing onions really isn’t that hard. It just takes a little bit of patience!

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (1)

Today, I’m showing you exactly how to caramelize onions, AND sharing some favorite recipes using caramelized onions from top food bloggers. Let’s begin…

The full recipe card is below, but I’ll sum up the process here.

The first thing you need is, well, onions! I use yellow onions, but you can caramelize any type of onion.

Slice thinly, add to pan, and watch the magic happen…

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (2)

It took me about 40 minutes to caramelize this batch on medium heat. Don’t try to rush the process by setting your stove to medium-high or high; more than likely, you’ll just end up with burnt onions (not nearly as tasty).

One note about deglazing. In this recipe, I used balsamic vinegar, but that’s not your only option. You can easily deglaze your pan with wine, chicken or vegetable stock. Whatever you have on hand!

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (3)

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (4)

How to Caramelize Onions

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (5)

An easy method for caramelizing onions. These are perfect on crostini, burgers, pizza, or added to pasta or spaghetti squash!

Cook Time40 minutes

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 Large Yellow Onions
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • Pinch of Salt
  • 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar

Instructions

Peel your onions and slice thinly.

Meanwhile, add your butter to your pan and heat to medium.

When butter is melted, add your onions, coating them with the butter.

Stir onions frequently while caramelizing, every 2 minutes or so. A spatula works best so you can scrape the bottom of the pan. Onions will slowly start to turn golden brown.

When onions are nearly caramelized, add in a pinch of salt, then use your balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, being sure to scrape the pan well.

Once onions are the desired color, remove from heat. Cool. Caramelized onions can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Did you make this recipe?

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Caramelized onions are SO good on so many things. I’ll be sharing a recipe soon using these in a to-die-for spaghetti squash dish!

But for now, I asked some of my favorite food bloggers for their favorite ways to use caramelized onions!

Recipes Using Caramelized Onions

The best recipes using caramelized onions!

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (6)

Caramelized Onion, Kale and Sausage Pizza

Photo Credit:betsylife.com

Cozy vibes brought to you by this caramelized onion, kale and sausage pizza.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (7)

Grilled French Onion Chicken Sandwiches Recipe for Two

Photo Credit:zonacooks.com

These Grilled French Onion Chicken Sandwiches have juicy grilled chicken topped with melted Swiss cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh baby spinach on a lightly toasted deli sandwich bun.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (8)

Homemade Tater Tots with Caramelized Onion - Gluten Free

Photo Credit:thehonoursystem.com

These Homemade Tater Tots with Caramelized Onions are a side dish to remember! This crispy, healthy tot recipe is oven baked & gluten free.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (9)

Classic French Onion Soup with Red Wine & Gruyere

Photo Credit:thehungrybluebird.com

Classic French onion soup, inspired by Julia Child and tweaked just a tad, with loads of caramelized onions simmered in beef broth and wine and then topped with bread croutons and gooey, melted Gruyère cheese.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (10)

Spice Rub Pork Chops

Photo Credit:bunnyswarmoven.net

The sauteed onions with Balsamic Vinegar are served on top of the pork chops to make this one delicious easy dinner and we’re going to make it together.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (11)

Coconut Lentils with Caramelized Onions

Photo Credit:www.happyveggiekitchen.com

Red lentils and caramelized onions in a sweet coconut sauce. A creamy, mild and naturally sweet dish that is simple to prepare and works well as a side dish or a main meal with rice. These coconut lentils are vegetarian, vegan and great for babies and kids.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (12)

Tri-Tip with Pomegranate BBQ Sauce and Caramelized Onions

Photo Credit:www.theorganickitchen.org

OK meat lovers, this one is for you! This is the Organic Kitchen’s “Tri-tip with Pomegranate BBQ Sauce and Caramelized Onions”.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (13)

Pasta with Chicken, Caramelized Onions and Balsamic!

Photo Credit:www.theorganickitchen.org

This Pasta with Chicken, Caramelized Onions and Balsamic is one delicious meal. So.Gosh.Dang.Good!

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (14)

Roasted Brussels sprouts with apples and caramelized onions

Photo Credit:cadryskitchen.com

Roasted Brussels sprouts with apples and caramelized onions is perfect for a Thanksgiving table or as an autumn side dish. It’s topped with a smattering of toasted pistachios. Vegan & gluten-free.

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (15)

Vegan French dip sandwich with au jus

Photo Credit:cadryskitchen.com

If comfort food to you is dunking a savory vegan French dip sandwich with jackfruit into a full-bodied au jus, do I have a treat for you… This hearty sandwich is served on toasted ciabatta with sautéed onions and horseradish mayonnaise.

Thanks so much for reading all about How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions}! Have a lovely day!

How to Caramelize Onions {Plus, My Favorite Recipes Using Caramelized Onions} (2024)
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