Description
Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions offer a hands-off, slow-cooked method for transforming onions into a sweet, savory addition to any meal. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can make a bulk batch of these caramelized onions that will elevate dishes like burgers, pastas, and dips.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 large onions (yellow, sweet, or red work best)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for 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 onions thinly, aiming for about ¼-inch thickness.
- Add to the slow cooker: Place sliced onions in the slow cooker and add butter (or olive oil), salt, pepper, and sugar (optional).
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally. For a richer flavor, cook up to 10 hours.
- Stir occasionally: Give the onions a quick stir every couple of hours to ensure even caramelization.
- Finish and serve: Once golden brown and sticky, stir in balsamic vinegar (optional). Use immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- Low and slow: Caramelizing onions takes time, but cooking on low heat ensures the best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker: Make sure the onions fit comfortably for even caramelization.
- Use a good fat: Onions need enough fat (butter or oil) to caramelize properly.
- Freezing: Caramelized onions freeze well. Portion into freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker Caramelized Onions, Caramelized Onion Recipe, Slow Cooked Onions, Crockpot Onion Recipe, Onion Dip, Caramelized Onion Uses