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Caramelized Onion Butter in a black bowl on a wooden table surrounded by toasted baguettes from overhead.
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Caramelized Onion Butter

Caramelized Onion Butter is creamy, savory, and full of sweet, golden onions! It is easy to make and adds delicious flavor to bread, steak, chicken, vegetables, and so much more.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Spread
Keyword: Caramelized Onion Butter
Servings: 1 cup onion butter (16 tablespoons)
Calories: 129kcal
Author: Amanda Rettke--iamhomesteader.com

Ingredients

Caramelized Onions

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 2 cups)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Onion Butter

  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Instructions

Caramelize the Onions

  • In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the 2 tablespoons butter with the olive oil.
  • Add the diced onion and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until the onions are evenly coated.
  • Cook for 35 to 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and deep golden brown. As they begin to caramelize, stir more frequently to prevent burning.
  • If browned bits begin to build up on the bottom of the skillet before the onions are fully caramelized, add 1 tablespoon water and scrape the browned bits from the pan. Continue cooking until the water has completely evaporated. Repeat only as needed.
  • Once the onions are deeply caramelized, cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until no excess moisture remains. The onions should be dark golden, soft, and jammy, but not wet.
  • Transfer the onions to a plate and let them cool completely.

Make the Onion Butter

  • Add the cooled onions to a small food processor. Pulse a few times until they are very finely chopped, but not completely smooth. You should have about ¼ cup of finely chopped caramelized onions. You want tiny pieces of onion throughout the butter.
  • In a medium bowl, fold the processed onions into the softened butter with the remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt.
  • Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • Serve immediately while softened, or transfer the butter to parchment paper or plastic wrap. Shape into a log, wrap tightly, and refrigerate until firm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 129kcal