Caramelized Onions with Balsamic
Onions slowly cooked until golden and sweet, finished with a hint of balsamic vinegar. This french-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs large, thinly sliced onions, olive oil, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 large, thinly sliced onions
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp (optional) butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 large thinly sliced onions and 1/2 tsp salt, and stir to coat. Cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until onions are deeply golden and caramelized.
- Step 2: After 20 minutes of cooking, add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1/4 tsp black pepper, and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 10 more minutes until onions are very soft and caramelized.
- Step 3: If using, add 1 tbsp butter and stir until melted and incorporated. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Caramelized Onions with Balsamic take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Caramelized Onions with Balsamic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large, thinly sliced onions from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Onions with Balsamic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Caramelized Onions with Balsamic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Caramelized Onions with Balsamic?
French vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
