The flavor is something other-worldly: sweetly savory, with an irresistibly luxurious texture. They turn burgers, dips, and pasta to pure gold. Here’s how to do it: with a graphic showing each stage of the caramelization!
Thinly slice the onions. About 1/8-inch thick works well. Use an entire 3 pound bag, which makes 2 cups caramelized onions — or less, if desired. Sauté the onions for 8 to 10 minutes on medium high heat. Melt butter, then add the onions and saute until they’re soft. Add salt and cook 40 to 45 minutes on medium low until very dark brown. You’ll see the onions go through stages: first golden brown, then medium brown, then very dark brown. They’re done when the flavor is developed and sweet, and they’re almost falling apart they’re so tender.
But we do love to use French cut, a method for cutting onions where you cut from the stem to the root. It’s quick, it’s easy, and makes nicely shaped pieces. Here’s what to do:
Slice off the ends of the onion and cut it in half. Stand the onion on its flat cut side and cut it down the center. Remove the paper. Remove the paper and outer layer of the onion. Cut following the curve of the onion, stem to root. Place the onion on its flat side then cut slices following the curve of the onion, from the tip to the root. Want to see how? Go to minute 1:40 of How to Cut an Onion.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Make them ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to make the recipe. Make sure to warm them before serving. Freeze for up to 3 months. Line a muffin tin with plastic wrap and add small portions of caramelized onions. Or you can freeze them in a large plastic bag (then you’ll have to defrost them all at once). They should last up to 3 months, or even longer. But they’re best after refrigeration!
Burgers: Add a gooey mess atop a cheese burger, veggie burger or portobello burger Soup: Make elegant French onion soup Dip: Mix with sour cream for Caramelized onion dip Grilled cheese: Add some to a grilled cheese (or baked grilled cheese) and prepare to be amazed! Pizza: Throw some on a cheesy pizza
5 from 3 reviews
