When to stop cooking caramelized onions?

Stop when onions are deep golden brown, soft, and have a jam-like consistency, usually after 8–10 hours on low in a crockpot.

What is the secret to great caramelized onions?

Low, slow cooking with a touch of fat and patience lets the natural sugars develop into rich sweetness.

What does caramelized onion taste like?

They have a sweet, savory, and slightly nutty flavor with deep umami richness.

What does caramelizing do to onions?

It breaks down starches into sugars, creating a soft, sweet, and flavorful result.

Crockpot Caramelized Onions – Best Slow Cooker Recipe (2025)

Description

Sweet, golden, and rich caramelized onions made effortlessly in the crockpot, perfect for soups, sandwiches, or topping your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

4 pounds white, yellow, or red onions, peeled and thinly sliced
3 tablespoons butter (or olive oil), melted
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Optional: 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Place sliced onions into the crockpot.
Drizzle with melted butter or olive oil.
Season with salt and pepper, and add optional brown sugar and balsamic vinegar if desired.
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally, until onions are golden brown and caramelized.
Adjust seasoning to taste before serving or storing.

Notes

For deeper flavor, add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Store caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 9 hours
Category: Condiment
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 40
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 50mg
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: crockpot, caramelized onions, onions, condiment, slow cooker