How to Caramelize Onions
The best onions to use for caramelizing are sweet onions, since they tend to be juicy with a mild, sweet taste. Some popular sweet varieties include Maui, Vidalia, and Walla Walla onions. Once you’ve got you’re onions, follow these steps to learn the best way to caramelize onions.
Step 1: Prep Onions
For 4 to 6 servings (about ⅓-cup each), start with two large onions and peel away and discard the outer papery layers. Use a sharp knife ($60, Bed Bath & Beyond) to cut the onions into thin slices or ¾-inch chunks.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Add Onions
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet ($25, Walmart) over medium-low heat. Our Test Kitchen likes to use butter when caramelizing onions, as it offers the richest flavor. If you avoid dairy or don’t have butter, you can caramelize onions in other fat such as margarine or olive oil. Add the onion slices. It’s okay if they overlap a bit here because they’ll shrink as they cook down. If the skillet gets too full or you’re making a lot of caramelized onions, consider using two skillets for more even cooking.
Step 3: Slowly Sauté Onions
Cook, covered, over medium-low heat for 13 to 15 minutes or until onion slices are tender, stirring occasionally. Low and slow is the key here. The slow cooking step allows the onions to release their juices and become uniformly soft.
Step 4: Finish Caramelizing the Onions
Once the onions are tender, turn up the heat to medium-high and uncover the skillet. The extra heat will help to caramelize the onion juices in the butter, giving the onions the desired caramel color and flavor. Cook, stirring constantly, for 3 to 5 minutes or until golden.
Uses for Caramelized Onions
There are so many delicious options for enjoying caramelized onions—although you may be tempted to eat them right out of the skillet. Spoon the caramelized onions atop juicy burgers, steaks, pork chops, or cooked veggies. For appetizers, top a warmed wheel of Brie cheese or bruschetta slices with caramelized onions. They’ll also be a game-changing addition to family-favorite sides such as mashed potatoes or macaroni and cheese.
