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Caramelized onions in a bowl with wooden spoon.
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4.50 from 2 votes

How To Caramelize Onions

Meltingly tender and oh so sweet, caramelized onions are a special treat. Learn how to caramelize onions yourself. It's easy and you only need a few ingredients.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Sides & Vegetables
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Rachel Gurk

Ingredients

  • 6 large yellow or sweet onions, 12 to 14 ounces each (about 5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (see note)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, optional

Instructions

  • Remove papery outer skin of onions. Cut each onion in half vertically, top to bottom, then slice into ¼ -inch thick half moons. Discard root and stem end.
    6 large yellow or sweet onions, 12 to 14 ounces each
  • In a large covered pan, heat oil and butter over medium heat until butter melts. Add onions and salt, and toss to coat with oil mixture.
    2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Uncover, reduce heat to medium low, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally (you’ll need to stir more often towards the end), until onions are cooked down and a deep golden brown, about 60 to 90 minutes. If needed, adjust heat to low. You want them to cook slowly without drying out! If absolutely necessary, add a splash of water to the pan.
  • If desired, add balsamic vinegar in the last five minutes of cooking time to add depth to the flavor.
    1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, optional

Video

Notes

  • Yield: Makes about 2 cups. 
  • Vegan/Non-dairy: Omit butter and use an additional 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  • Storage: Caramelized onions keep well. Refrigerate in a covered container for 4 to 5 days. Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 4 months. 
  • French Onion Soup: If desired, the onions can be used to make French onion soup.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 124mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 89IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.2mg

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