Naturally sweet caramelized onions made without any added sugar. These delicious caramelized onions are perfect for adding to an appetizer, sandwich or hamburger.
Why make this recipe
Slow Cooked Caramelized Onions are one of the great miracles of the cooking world. You take an ordinary onion and simply by slow cooking them, you make a truly amazing ingredient that is unlike anything you started with!
These onions are caramelized by cooking them and not by adding any sugar.
Many recipes try to speed up the process by adding a bit of sugar. I've tried them, but I didn't care for it. The caramelized onions were too sweet and the onions lacked a depth of flavor.
By taking the time to cook the onions and letting the natural sweetness of the onions come through, you end up with a truly delicious caramelized onion.
Key ingredients
Only two ingredients are used in this recipe.
- Onions - I used yellow onions, but any onion will work. You'll need three onions or about one pound.
- Butter - Use regular salted butter. You can also use olive oil instead of the butter.
Step by step directions
- Peel and cut onions from end to end
- Melt butter in a large pan
- Add onions
- Cook over medium low to low heat stirring every few minutes
Recipe tips
- Use a heavy sauté pan for an even heat
- Cook these onions low and slow. I usually start our on a medium low and then reduce to low once onions begin to brown
- Try to avoid browning right away. You want the onions to soften before they begin to brown
- Scrap up the brown bits that form on the bottom of the pan
- Add two tablespoons of water during the final few minutes if the onions are sticking to the pan
- Taste the onions when they have reached the desired color. Add a sprinkling of salt if desired.
Recipe Faqs
When covered and stored in the refrigerator, these caramelized onions will last up to one week.
Yes, these onions can be frozen. Allow onions to fully cool and place in a freezer safe container. Onions can. be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Caramelized onions can be portioned into smaller amounts prior to freezing.
Ways to use caramelized onions
- Add to crostini with goat cheese
- Place in a grilled cheese sandwich
- Pile on top of a burger
- Top on your favorite pizza
- Add to a salad
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Be sure to check out all my condiment recipes!
Caramelized Onions
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Onions
- 2 Tablespoons Butter (or olive oil)
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Slice onions lengthwise, not into rings.
- Melt butter in heavy duty saute pan.
- Add onions.
- Cook over low heat.
- Stir every few minutes to prevent burning.
- When onions have reached the desired color, add salt to taste
Notes
- Use a heavy sauté pan for an even heat
- Cook these onions low and slow. I usually start our on a medium low and then reduce to low once onions begin to brown
- Try to avoid browning right away. You want the onions to soften before they begin to brown
- Scrap up the brown bits that form on the bottom of the pan
- Add two tablespoons of water during the final few minutes if the onions are sticking to the pan
- Taste the onions when they have reached the desired color. Add a sprinkling of salt if desired.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
carmelized onions sure are one of the great culinary delights! So easy, yet Super flavorful and absolutely delish! I love that you used walla walla onions, those are my favorite for carmelizing too! Yours look perfect and have me craving a big ole batch for breakfast! Cheers, my dear!!
Kathy says
Walla Wallas are great, but are only available for such a brief time.
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Mmm! I so love caramelized onions, Kathy!! I bet these taste awesome. I am definitely going to try this method. Thank you for one more awesome share! Loved it! 🙂
Kathy says
These did taste pretty awesome!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
I love caramelized onions! I just made some on Saturday to put in biscuits and I wish I would have had your great idea to make a bunch and freeze them. It is definitely a time consuming process!
Kathy says
Caramelized onions in biscuits! That's a great idea!
Laura says
I am definitely going to try this technique. Nothing tastes or smells better in the kitchen in my opinion than caramelized onions and they can be used for so many things! Yum Kathy! Why don't they make a house spray that smells like this? I love it.
Kathy says
So funny! We could market a whole line of sprays featuring home cooked foods....caramelized onions, roasted chicken, baked bread....
Kennedy Cole says
Mmm! I bet that these are so sweet/savory and delectable! I definitely need to try making them in the slow cooker next time! Thanks for sharing! 😀
Kathy says
Slow cooked on the stove top...not in a slow cooker. A slow cooker would be a good idea, but I don't think the liquid would be able to evaporate.