Description
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions are a hands-free way to create rich, sweet, and savory onions that will elevate a variety of dishes. Perfect for topping burgers, pizzas, or mixing into sauces.
Ingredients
3–4 large onions (yellow, sweet, or red work best)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelization)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra depth)
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Peel and slice the onions thinly, aiming for about ¼-inch thickness.
- Add to the slow cooker: Place the sliced onions into the slow cooker and add butter (or olive oil), salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Stir gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even caramelization. For a deeper flavor, you can cook the onions for up to 10 hours, depending on your desired level of sweetness and richness.
- Stir occasionally: Every couple of hours, give the onions a quick stir to ensure they cook evenly.
- Finish and serve: Once the onions are golden brown and sticky, stir in the balsamic vinegar (optional) to add extra depth of flavor. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.
Notes
Olive oil can be used for a lighter version, but butter gives a richer flavor for caramelization.
For stove-top caramelization, cook onions over low heat for 30–45 minutes, stirring frequently.
You can double or triple the recipe, but ensure there’s enough space in the slow cooker for even cooking.
Garlic, carrots, or other vegetables can be added for more flavor, though garlic cooks faster and may affect timing.
The sugar is optional; it helps with caramelization but can be omitted for a less sweet flavor.
Red onions provide a sweeter flavor, though they may not have as deep a color as yellow onions.
Balsamic vinegar is optional but adds complexity to the flavor. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or skip it altogether.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
