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How To Make Caramelized Onions

Caramelized onions add a rich, sweet flavor to burgers, French Onion soup, dip, pizza and more. By slowly caramelizing yellow onions in real butter, you’ll develop deep flavors every time. Key tip: use a large saucepan with a wide base to give the onions space to cook evenly and to avoid steaming.

Get Started

Step 1: Cut Onions

Slice along the natural grain to create even slices.

Step 2: Use Wide Pan

Use a pan with a wide base so the onions have room to cook without crowding. This also ensures the water will evaporate evenly to create caramelization.

Step 3: Melt Butter

Using butter instead of only oil adds deep richness and flavor to the onions.

Step 4: Add Onions Gradually

Add a handful of onions, allowing them to cook down slightly. Add another handful and repeat.

Step 5: Reduce Heat

Allow onions to slowly caramelize by reducing heat. You need to be patient here – If your heat is too high, the onions will fry or burn instead of caramelizing.

Step 6: Add Water

You can add a splash of water as needed. This also helps deglaze the pan to ensure you get all the brown bits at the bottom of the pan for added flavor.

Step 7: Use In Your Favorite Dish

Use caramelized onions in French onion soup or dip. You can also add them to a steak, burger or pizza.