I love this combination of caramelized onions with mushrooms. The sweet richness of caramelized onions blends perfectly with savory mushrooms, herbs, and goat cheese. Enjoy these caramelized onions and mushrooms on a piece of crusty bread, as a side dish, added to pizzas, pasta, grilled meats, or salads. This flavorful combination elevates any dish with its sweet, savory, and creamy indulgence. Get ready to experience a burst of delicious flavors in each bite!

Why You Will Love Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

Caramelized mushrooms and onions taste incredible!
Caramelizing adds another dimension of flavor.
It is easy to caramelize them it just takes some time.
The balsamic glaze brings the flavor to the next level.
There are so many ways to use them.
They are gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and vegetarian.

What Are Caramelized Onions?

Caramelized onions have been slowly cooked in a pan over low heat on the stove. When they cook down, they caramelize and become golden brown, which creates an incredible flavor. Caramelized onions are the perfect balance between sweet and savory. We cooked mushrooms with the onions for another layer of savory umami flavor.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients for caramelized onions with mushrooms

Onions: Use three medium-sized sweet, brown, or white onions. Evenly slice the onions.
Mushrooms: Use cremini mushrooms in this recipe and evenly slice them.
Olive Oil: Cook the onions and mushrooms in a pan with olive oil.
Salt and Pepper: Season the onions and mushrooms in the pan with salt and pepper.
Thyme: Add 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme for flavor.
Garlic: Crush the fresh garlic and cook it in the pan.
Balsamic Glaze: The balsamic glaze adds another dimension of flavor.
Goat Cheese: As an option, top with goat cheese once done.
Parsley: Top with fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley.

What Onions and Mushrooms To Use

We love using sweet onions because of their mild yet sweet flavor. You can use sweet, brown, or white onions. Or, use a mix of all three. Use three medium-sized onions for this recipe. For the mushrooms, use cremini mushrooms, also known as baby Bella mushrooms. They add so much flavor and are the perfect size for this recipe.

How To Make Caramelized Onions With Mushrooms

Step 1: Cut each onion in half. Then, slice across into 1/4-inch slices.

Step 2: Remove any dirt from the mushrooms and the bottom of the stem. Then, evenly and thinly slice the mushrooms.

Step 3: Add the olive oil, sliced onions, sliced mushrooms, salt, pepper, and thyme sprigs to a large skillet over low heat on the stove.

Step 4: Let the mushrooms cook and the onions caramelize on low for at least 45 minutes to an hour. Move them around periodically so they don’t burn.

Caramelized onions and mushrooms cooking

Caramelized onions and mushrooms in a pan

Step 5: Once the onions are caramelized and the mushrooms are cooked, carefully remove the thyme sprigs from the pan and add the crushed garlic. Cook the garlic in the pan. After that, use your spatula to deglaze the pan and get any brown bits off the bottom.

Step 6: Add the balsamic glaze to the pan and mix. Let the balsamic glaze cook down over low heat.

Step 7: Once done, let the caramelized onions with mushrooms slightly cool. Then, top with goat cheese, fresh thyme, and chopped flat-leaf parsley.

How To Serve Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms

There are so many ways to serve these caramelized onions and mushrooms. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

With Goat Cheese: Enjoy them on their own and top with fresh chopped thyme, parsley, and goat cheese.
Toasted Baguette: Serve with a toasted baguette or your favorite bread.
Toast: Spread goat cheese on toast and top with these caramelized onions with mushrooms.
Burger: Add some to a burger! They would be delicious on our homemade chicken burgers!
Sandwich: Add them to a sandwich or panini.
Pizza: Make a pizza with goat cheese and caramelized onions with mushrooms.
Grilled Meat: Serve them with cooked chicken, steak, pork, or your favorite grilled meat.
Eggs: Add them to scrambled eggs, quiches, or omelets.
Tartlets: Make mini tartlets with phyllo shells. Top them with goat cheese and fresh thyme.

Expert Tips

Don’t Skip The Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic glaze adds incredible dimension and flavor to the caramelized onions and mushrooms.
Be Patient: It is important to be patient when cooking the onions and mushrooms. Onions take a long time to caramelize, but it is worth it when done.
Cook On Low Heat: Cook the onions and mushrooms in a skillet over low heat. Cook them over low heat so they don’t burn and have time to cook slowly and caramelize.
Cut Evenly: Evenly slice the onions and mushrooms so they cook at the same rate.
Don’t Slice Too Thin: Don’t slice the onions too thin or small. You want them large enough to caramelize so they don’t burn.
Remove The Dirt From The Mushrooms: Dust off any dirt from the mushrooms. We don’t recommend washing them because they absorb moisture, but if you have to, make sure they are completely dry before cooking them.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover caramelized onions and mushrooms in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Store them for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Variations

Balsamic Vinegar: If you don’t have the balsamic glaze, add two teaspoons of balsamic vinegar.
Add More Onions or Mushrooms: You can adjust this recipe to make solely caramelized onions by omitting the mushrooms and using twice the amount of onions. Or, adjust the amount of mushrooms you want to add.
Add Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh chopped parsley and thyme. Or, use one of these depending on what you have on hand. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Last?

These caramelized onions with mushrooms last up to four days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How Long Does It Take To Caramelize Onions?

It takes about 45 minutes to an hour for onions to caramelize. Allow them to caramelize over low heat and move them around occasionally. Cook the mushrooms in the pan at the same time while the onions caramelize.

Can You Cook Mushrooms and Onions Together?

Yes, you can cook mushrooms and onions together at the same time in a large pan. The flavors of caramelized onions and mushrooms complement each other. Add the sliced onions and mushrooms to a large pan and cook them together. Cook until the onions are caramelized and the mushrooms are cooked down.

How To Know When Onions Are Caramelized?

You will know that the onions are caramelized when they are golden brown. If they are just translucent, they aren’t caramelized.

Should You Stir Onions While Caramelizing?

Yes, you should stir the onions occasionally while caramelizing them. Don’t stir the entire time because the onions need time to cook and caramelize. Gently stir every 5-7 minutes so the onions don’t burn while caramelizing.

Do You Caramelize Onions On Low Or High Heat?

Caramelize these onions and mushrooms on low heat. Do not caramelize them over high heat. Cook them over low heat for a long time. To caramelize onions, cook them on low heat and slowly. Do not cook them on high heat or they will burn and won’t caramelize properly. Also, be patient and let them cook for at least 45 minutes over low heat.

What Is The Difference Between Sautéed and Caramelized Onions?

Sautéed onions take less time to cook than caramelized onions. Caramelized onions tend to take on a sweet and savory flavor as they turn golden brown. Sautéed onions are cooked, but tend to be translucent rather than golden brown. Also, caramelized onions are cooked at a lower heat for much longer. It allows the onions to break down and cook slowly, which allows them to caramelize. Caramelizing onions can take about one hour while sautéing onions only takes about 5-10 minutes.

More Recipes To Try Next!

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