Caramelized Onion Butter

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Carly's Cookbook (@carlyscookbook)

This Caramelized Onion Butter is a must-have for your holiday table! It's an easy compound butter made with slow-cooked caramelized onions, butter, and fresh thyme. Perfect for steak butter, crusty bread, baked potatoes, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables.

Caramelized Onion Butter recipe

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Prep Time
10min
Cook Time
1hr 5min
Total Time
1hr 15min

Ingredients

8 Servings
(1 serving = 1 tbsp butter)

For onions

  • large yellow onion
    large yellow onion
    1
  • butter
    butter
    1tbsp
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    1tbsp
  • salt
    salt
    1pinch

For butter

  • unsalted butter
    unsalted butter
    1/2cup
  • kosher salt
    kosher salt
    1/2tsp
  • black pepper
    black pepper
    1/4tsp
  • fresh thyme
    fresh thyme
    1tsp

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How to make Caramelized Onion Butter

How to Make Caramelized Onion Butter

  1. Step 1

    Mash caramelized onions into softened butter with salt, pepper, and thyme until smooth.

How to Caramelize Onions

  1. Step 1

    Heat butter and oil in a wide pan over medium-low until melted.

  2. Step 2

    Add onions, stir to coat, and spread evenly.

  3. Step 3

    Cook slowly for 15–20 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until soft and translucent.

  4. Step 4

    Add salt and lower heat slightly. Continue cooking for 30–45 minutes, letting onions sit between stirs for deep caramelization. Deglaze with 1–2 tbsp water as needed to prevent sticking.

  5. Step 5

    Onions are done when deep amber, jammy, and sweet. Taste and adjust salt; add pepper at the end if desired.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

63.8kcal (3.19%)

Protein

0.1g (0.12%)

Carbs

0.0g

Sugars

0.0g

Healthy Fat

2.3g

Unhealthy Fat

4.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Deglaze the pan with a small amount of water to prevent onions from sticking and burning.

  2. Use fresh thyme for the best flavor in the butter.

  3. Let the onions caramelize slowly for the richest taste.

FAQS

  1. Can I use a different type of onion?

    Yes, you can use white or red onions, but yellow onions are ideal for their sweetness when caramelized.

  2. How long can I store the Caramelized Onion Butter?

    You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

  3. Can I freeze the butter?

    Yes, you can freeze the butter for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.

  4. What dishes pair well with Caramelized Onion Butter?

    It pairs well with steak, crusty bread, baked potatoes, grilled chicken, and roasted vegetables.

  5. Can I make this butter vegan?

    Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use olive oil for caramelizing the onions.

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Carly's Cookbook

(@carlyscookbook)

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