How to Caramelize Onions

The best caramelized onions come from the best onions….and they take time. Find out how to make the best caramelized onions.

We love caramelized here at Healthy Family Project. I mean, they are super easy to make and they taste good on just about everything. Don’t limit yourself to just burgers! I know we have shared some recipes here that have caramelized onions as an ingredient, but I thought it was due time to give you all the secret recipe for the BEST caramelized onions. Okay, maybe it’s not a secret, but it’s definitely a recipe that you are going to want to pin, bookmark and print!

Caramelized onions offer a deep, rich and sweet flavor that can’t be beaten. We’re walking through three methods to achieving the perfect caramelized onions including methods for stovetop, the Instant Pot and in the slow cooker.

There are so many ways to use caramelized onions – in a dip, French onion soup, topping off a burger, on pizza – the possibilities are endless. While caramelizing onions is a low and slow process, the payoff is always worth it. As the onions cook, the natural sugars in them caramelize, resulting in the sweet flavor.

Why We Love Caramelized Onions

• They are good on just about everything.
• You can eat them right out of the pan.
• They are easy to make, just a little time involved.
• You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for about a week. That being said, I recommend making a double batch so that you do have leftovers.
• You can actually freeze leftovers! Put a single serving in a small bag or use an ice cube tray. You can store them in the freezer for about 3 months.

Caramelized Onions Key Ingredients

• RealSweet Onions
• Butter
• Brown Sugar
• Sherry vinegar

Some Of Our Favorite Recipes with Caramelized Onions

• Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese and Arugula Flatbread
• Caramelized Sweet Onion Pizza
• Tomato, Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Mini Quiches
• Honey Roasted Sweet Onion and Pear Grilled Cheese
• Creamy Chicken and Caramelized Onions Skillet
• Chicken Bubble Up Bake

Prepping Your Onions

For all three methods, it’s important to slice your onions as thinly as possible and to keep the slices uniform in size so they caramelize evenly. Using a sharp knife, slice the onion from root to stem in thin, uniform slices. Then choose your favorite method to caramelize them.

Ok, are we ready to make some caramelized onions? Let’s do it!

I know I mentioned there are several ways to make caramelized onions, here are two other methods for caramelizing onions:

How to Caramelize Onions in the Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• 4 large RealSweet® Vidalia® onions, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• ¼ tsp. baking soda

Directions:

1. Set Instant Pot to saute. Add onions, oil and baking soda and stir to combine. Cook 3-5 minutes, or until onions begin to soften.
2. Place lid on Instant Pot, set value to sealing and cook on high 20 minutes. Once done, release pressure and remove lid.
3. Set Instant Pot to saute again and cook additional 5-10 minutes, or until liquid evaporates.

How to Caramelize Onions in a Slow Cooker

Ingredients:

• 4 large RealSweet® Vidalia® onions, thinly sliced
• 3 Tbsp. butter, melted
• ½ tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Add onions to slow cooker. Drizzle with butter and salt. Stir to coat onions.
2. Cover slow cooker and cook 6-8 hours on low. If possible, stir onions occasionally for even cooking. If there’s too much liquid in the slow cooker, take lid off for last 2 hours of cooking to evaporate.

Do you like caramelized onions? What is your favorite way to make them?