Looking to level up your sides without breaking a sweat? These Balsamic Caramelized Onions are a sweet, savory, and silky dream that go with just about everything — from grilled steak and chicken to grain bowls, sandwiches, and even roasted veggies.

Around here, we love anything that brings deep flavor with simple ingredients — and this one is a keeper. Think rich, jammy onions slowly cooked down with olive oil, a little butter, tangy balsamic vinegar, and just a hint of sweetness. It’s the kind of low-and-slow dish that smells like home and tastes like comfort.

🛒 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or a drizzle of maple syrup for a twist)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

👩🏽‍🍳 Directions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are very soft and golden brown — about 30 to 35 minutes. Patience is key!
3. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar (or maple syrup), and continue to cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are deep brown and caramelized.
4. Season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Balsamic Caramelized Onions: Sweet, Savory, and Oh-So-Simple

Recipe by Alison J. Ball

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 2 large red onions, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar (or a drizzle of maple syrup for a twist)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

• Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
• Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are very soft and golden brown — about 30 to 35 minutes. Patience is key!
• Stir in the balsamic vinegar and sugar (or maple syrup), and continue to cook for another 5 to 10 minutes until the onions are deep brown and caramelized.
• Season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
• Serve warm, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Recipe Video