Learn how to make caramelized onions using beautiful red onions! Making caramelized red onions is a simple cooking technique that will elevate dishes like sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, chicken and more!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Here’s what you’ll need from your pantry, fridge, and kitchen!
KITCHEN SUPPLIES
- Dutch oven. You can also use a cast iron skillet but I’ve always used a Dutch oven for my onions.
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
INGREDIENTS
- Red onions
- Butter
- Oil
- Salt
- Sugar (optional)
- Water or white wine (optional)
STEP 1
Slice the onions. I like to go quite thin with my onions to really get them nice and caramelized and browned.
STEP 2
Melt the butter and oil together in the Dutch oven.
STEP 3
Add the onions and cook for 40-45 minutes, alternating between low and medium-low heat and stirring frequently. The longer you let them cook the deeper the color you’ll get. I find that around 45 minutes is the sweet spot for me but you could cook these on low for 50-60 minutes.
Once the onions are cooked, remove them to a plate and you’re ready to use them in your recipe!
For me the real magic starts to happen after 30 minutes. You’ll see around the 15 minute mark the onions are soft and translucent. After 30 minutes you should have some nice browning and fond at the bottom of the Dutch oven. I cooked my onions for 45 minutes to get a deep brown color.
STORAGE AND REHEATING INSTRUCTIONS
You can store the cooked onions in an airtight container for up to a week for best freshness. Or, add them to a resealable plastic bag and press flat then pop the bag in the freezer!
If reheating frozen onions allow them to thaw and come to room temperature first. Then when you’re ready to use them you can add them directly to the dish! You could also pop them in the microwave or add them to a non-stick pan to reheat as well.
RECIPES TO USE CARAMELIZED ONIONS
Now that you’ve out in the time to make these tasty onions, here are some recipes to use them in!
French onion grilled cheese
French onion meatballs
French onion pasta
French onions burgers
You could also add them to pizzas, salads, breakfast eggs, green beans, steak, chicken….and more!
PrintHow to Caramelize Red Onions
Learn how to caramelize beautiful red onions! These onions have a deep brown color and add an elevated flavor to so many dishes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Saute
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 medium sized red onions, sliced thin
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon water, chicken broth, or wine to deglaze pot (optional)
Instructions
1. Add the butter and oil to the Dutch oven and heat over medium heat until the butter is melted.
2. Pour in the onions, add the salt, then stir until all the slices are well coated in the butter and oil mixture and there are no slices sticking together. Reduce heat to medium-low.
3. Cook the onions for 40-45 minutes, stirring frequently and alternating the heat between medium-low and low so that the onions don’t burn. Stir frequently so each slice has a chance to be in direct contact with the bottom of the pot. If there are any stubborn slices that aren’t browning I remove them with tongs.
4. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, if you’d like add the sugar and a bit of liquid to deglaze the pot. This is optional, but I like the depth of flavor this adds. I use 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and a dash of white wine.
Once the onions are cooked add them to your dish, or store them/freeze them to use later!
Leave a Reply