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The Ultimate Guide to Perfect Caramelized Onions

Close-up of rich, golden-brown caramelized onions piled high on a small white plate.
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Learn the simple technique to transform sharp onions into sweet, golden brown onions using slow cooking. This kitchen staple is perfect for making homemade onion topping or adding depth to comfort food onion recipes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, for faster caramelization)
  • 1/4 cup water or low-sodium broth (for deglazing)

Instructions

  1. Slice the onions thinly and uniformly. Aim for consistent thickness so they cook evenly.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, combine the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions and the salt to the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions completely with the fat.
  4. Cook the onions slowly, stirring every 5 to 7 minutes. This initial stage will take about 20 minutes, and the onions will soften and become translucent.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Continue cooking, stirring every 5 minutes. If the onions start sticking too much or browning too quickly, add a tablespoon of water or broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits (this is called deglazing).
  6. Continue this slow cooking process for 40 to 60 minutes total, depending on how deep you want the color and flavor. You are looking for a deep, rich, golden brown color.
  7. If you are using the optional sugar, stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  8. Once the onions reach your desired color and jammy texture, remove them from the heat. They are now ready to use as an easy onion topping or in your favorite dishes.

Notes

  • For quick caramelized onions, use a higher heat (medium) initially, but watch carefully and stir every 2 minutes to prevent burning. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar near the end for a deeper flavor profile.
  • If you are making a large batch, you can easily freeze caramelized onions. Let them cool completely, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to three months.
  • These sweet caramelized onions are the base for recipes like caramelized onion dip recipe or viral onion pasta.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/how-to-caramelized-onions-guide/