Name: Caramelize Onions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 to 3 medium yellow (white, or red onions); 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil ( or unsalted butteror a combination); ⅛ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (balsamic vinegar, or wine)

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How to Caramelize Onions. Caramelized onions will add flavor to a variety of foods. Add them to quiches, pizza, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

While raw onions can be intense, slow cooking transforms them. It eliminates spiciness and leaves behind a delightful sweetness.

A bowl of Caramelized Onions Recipe on a table next to an onion.

Despite being time-consuming, the process of cooking onions until they’re caramelized is straightforward, requiring approximately an hour without constant supervision. Common pantry items—onions, butter or olive oil, and a splash of vinegar—are all you need.

Oil or Butter for Caramelizing?

Ideally, use a combination of both olive oil and butter. Olive oil withstands heat well, while butter contributes rich flavor. The combination stabilizes the butter, making it suitable for those new to caramelizing.

Heat Level for Caramelizing Onions

Start at medium heat, but transition to low heat once the onions soften and turn golden. High heat leads to burning, as the sugars in onions need gentle cooking to caramelize fully. Don’t crowd your pan.

Time Required

While timing varies, expect approximately 45 minutes to one hour, depending on your stove and quantity.

Caramelized Onions Recipe in a frying pan with a wooden spoon.

Caramelize Onions on Your Stovetop:

Ingredients:

2 to 3 yellow, white, or red onions
3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter (or a combination)
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or wine

Instructions:

Choose Your Onions:
- Yellow, white, or purple onions work.
- 2-3 onions are suitable for a large skillet.
Slice Your Onion:
- Remove the stem and root ends with a sharp chef’s knife, halve, and thinly slice. Separate into half-rings.
Melt Butter in a Skillet:
- Use 3-4 tablespoons of a combination of butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add Onions and Salt:
- Season with salt to extract moisture.
- Cook slowly, turning with tongs until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium-low or low as onions soften.
Deglaze:
- If onions stick, deglaze with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or wine.

A bowl of onions on a table next to an onion.

Caramelize Onions Recipe

How to Caramelize Onions. Caramelized onions will add flavor to a variety of foods. Add them to quiches, pizza, burgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Author: Paula

5 from 76 votes

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 45

Servings: 1 batch

Ingredients

2 to 3 medium yellow white, or red onions
3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butteror a combination
⅛ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar balsamic vinegar, or wine

Instructions

Slice the onions. Remove the stem and root ends with a sharp chef's knife, halve, and thinly slice. Separate into half-rings.
Melt 3-4 tablespoons of butter or a combination of butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Season with salt to extract moisture.
Cook slowly, turning until golden brown.
Reduce heat to medium-low or low as onions soften.
If the onions stick, deglaze with 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or wine.

Nutrition

Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.

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