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

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

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…

raw onions in pan

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!

caramelized onions 3

caramelized onions 2

How to Caramelize Onions

caramelized onions 3

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

Cook Time 40 minutes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 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!

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

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