This post is actually a preview of some up and coming posts which will use these Caramelized Onions. Confused? Don’t worry, it will all become clear very soon. But while you are waiting, we’re going to teach you How to Make Caramelized Onions, so you can stock your own freezer. Get excited-we are going to put these sweet and savory onions to good use in the upcoming weeks. Read on to get detailed instructions on how to make a batch of your own. Plus a pro tip which shows I have NO shame. I will do anything to make your kitchen experience just a little bit more comfortable!
Caramelized onions. Sounds so fancy doesn’t it? Caramelized onions will definitely elevate your food. Fancy maybe, but hard? Definitely not! These are the perfect addition to burgers, soups, eggs, roasts, pizza, you name it!
This guide on How to Make Caramelized Onions will show you just how easy it is!
Let me start with my favorite pro tip. Swim Goggles. What? Swim goggles? Yep swim goggles! As I get older, slicing onions brings so many tears-to the point that I can’t see what I’m doing. Ive tried slicing onions under cold water, freezing the onions, cutting the root last, and keeping the cut side down. None of these tricks have worked for me. Throwing on my son’s swim goggles while slicing the onions keeps my eyes dry and my vision intact. Don’t believe me? I have no shame…check it out here! If your eyes are as sensitive as mine, you’ll thank me later.
The key to making Caramelized Onions is cooking them low and slow. No more than medium heat and plan for it to take awhile. I always make a large batch for 2 reasons. One: they cook down to a much smaller amount than the raw onions. Two: it is just SO handy to pull these out of the freezer to use for recipes, so I try to keep my freezer stocked at all times. If you’re going to take the time to make Caramelized Onions, make it count, right?
Make a batch this week and I’ll give you the perfect recipe to use them in next week!
How to Make Caramelized Onions
An easy guide to making caramelized onions. Plus a pro tip you'll laugh at! Calories listed are for 1 cup of caramelized onions.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds yellow onions
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
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Peel onions. Using the root as an anchor, slice into rings. (Wearing swim goggles during this process can make this a far more comfortable process.)
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Heat olive oil over high heat in a large dutch oven or cast iron skillet until it shimmers.
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Add onions and stir to coat. Turn down heat to medium. Add the kosher salt. The key is low and slow.
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Cook onions for approximately 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes or so. (Resist the temptation to stir too frequently. The onions need to be in constant contact with the bottom of the dutch oven in order to begin the Maillard reaction).
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Cook for an additional 30 minutes or so, stirring more frequently as the onions begin to brown. Scrape the bottom of the dutch oven (or cast iron skillet) as you stir. You are done when all of the onions are soft and browned.
Recipe Notes
3 pounds of onions will yield 3 cups of caramelized onions.
Plan on patience as these onions turn out the best when you cook them slowly, over low heat.
Perfect recipe to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Any caramelized onions you don't plan on using within 3 days should be frozen-I use quart sized freezer bags to freeze 1 cup portions. Perfect caramelized onions ready for your next recipe!
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What we used:
Dutch Oven. I bought this 7+ quart LeCreuset Dutch Oven this week. I’ve saved every gift card people have given me for the last few years and am so in love with this piece. I can already tell I will be using it at least weekly and maybe more often.
Cast Iron Skillet. One of my kitchen must-haves. I have multiple different sizes, but my 12 inch Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is my workhorse.
Wooden Spoons. Perfect for stirring no matter what type of pot or pan I’m using. I always buy inexpensive wooden spoons, that way I can throw them in my dishwasher and if they get worn, I can throw them away with no guilt.
Glasslock: These are my favorite refrigerator/freezer/oven/microwave safe food storage containers. Store the onions you are going to use this week in these glass containers.
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OMG I love onions! I use a match stick between m teeth to prevent the tears, weird but works
Hmmm…I’ve never tried that. Might have to try it.
Love the goggles tip for cutting onion! I am doing this next time I am slicing onions before a dinner party so my makeup doesnt get messed up! Brilliant. Oh these onions sound great too btw. 🙂
Try it! It works!
I have never thought to have onions as a side dish but this looks good!
I usually put them on or in something (burgers, eggs, sandwiches, potatoes) and we have a great recipe coming next week that uses these!
Oh my goodness. I love caramelized onions, but I never made them before. I agree- patience is a virtue when cooking onions!
They are actually easy! But low and slow is the way to go!
I so appreciate that swim goggles tip! I always cry when cutting onions and have tried everything else with no dice.
They help! Tons! I don’t dread cutting onions anymore.
My 2 cents. The cast iron you’re advertising is why people don’t like cast. Proper cast iron is as smooth as enamel. Not many manufacturers do it right anymore and definitely not Lodge. Also using wood on cast is the fastest way to damage the season.
If you can’t find an old Griswald or Wagner you like get something like “Finex Cookware”.
And only ever use a very flexible Metal spatula, for stiring and scaping and everything.
Interesting perspective-and I LOVE to hear what works for different people! I have had great luck with my Lodge (which I got super cheap many, many years ago), although I DO have to reseason every once in awhile and maybe with one of the brands you’re recommending I wouldn’t have to. I also have actually enameled cast iron, and although I like it, I like my cheap and sturdy Lodge better. (I won’t like, I’m definitely going to look into the brands you’re talking about though, because unfortunately I’m a more is more kind of a person and I’m always loving trying new things!)