Learn how to caramelise onions in just four step using our Test Kitchen ’s go - to method acting for realise the perfect savory - sweet addition to Burger , dips , and more .

Caramelized onions add the perfect amount of both zesty and angelical smell to many dishes ( hi Warren Earl Burger , French onion plant soup , and pickpocket ) . admiration what caramelizing is ? Well , all vegetables and fruits control raw sugar . When wake , these sugars brown and caramelise , becoming more intense in flavor . Onions are great candidates for caramelizing because they contain quite a little of natural sugars . onion can be caramelize by cooking them slowly in oil . Or they can be caramelized using a little sugar . scan on to learn how to caramelize onions like a pro using our Test Kitchen ’s footmark - by - step process . From there , we ’ll include tasty use for caramelise onions .

Grant Webster

Sautéing onions in skillet

Credit:Grant Webster

How to Make Caramelized Onions

The best Allium cepa to expend for caramelize are fresh Allium cepa , 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 get you ’re onions , follow these step to learn the best path to caramelize onions .

Step 1: Prep Onions

For 4 to 6 serving ( about ⅓-cup each ) , set off with two large onions and peel out and toss out the outer papery layer . Use a sharp knife to cut the onions into flimsy slices or ¾-inch chunks .

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Add Onions

unthaw 2 tablespoon of butter in a large frypan over intermediate - low-spirited heat . Our Test Kitchen like to utilize butter when caramelizing onions , as it offers the productive flavor . If you avoid dairy ordon’t have butter , you may caramelize onions in other avoirdupois such as margarine or European olive tree oil .

Add the onion slice . It ’s hunky-dory if they overlap a spot here because they ’ll flinch as they cook down . If the skillet gets too full or you ’re making a lot of caramelise onions , consider using two skillets for more even cooking .

Step 3: Slowly Sauté Onions

Cook , covered , over medium - low-toned heat for 13 to 15 minute or until Allium cepa fade are tender , stir occasionally . Low and slow is the headstone here . The dim preparation step allows the onions to release their juices and become uniformly soft .

Step 4: Finish Caramelizing the Onions

Once the Allium cepa are tender , turn up the heat to medium - high and uncover the frypan . The redundant heat will aid to caramelize the onion plant juices in the butter , give the Allium cepa the desired caramel color and flavor . Cook , evoke invariably , for 3 to 5 hour 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 atopjuicy burgers , steak , pork chops , or cook vegetable . For appetizers , top awarmed bike of Brie cheeseorbruschetta sliceswith caramelized onion . They ’ll also be a game - changing addition to family - favorite sides such asmashed potatoesormacaroni and cheese .

placing raw onions into cooking pan

Credit: Blaine Moats

caramelized onions on stovetop

Credit: Blaine Moats

sauteeing onions in metal pan

Credit: Peter Krumhardt

small crocks with French onion soup and toast

Credit: Kelsey Hansen