If you love caramelized onions — try making smoked caramelized onions on the Traeger Grill or whichever smoker you have. The wood will add a smoky layer to the intense sweetness of the caramelized onions that is perfectly complementary and delicious.

Caramelized onions are the result of the sugars present in onions breaking down in the presence of heat into hundreds of different compounds, and the Maillard reaction in which sugars and protein break down into different and complex flavours and aromas.

I HATE raw onions. They’re pungent and overpowering, ruin salads, and the scent lingers forever. Caramelized onions? A favourite in my house and I can’t decide if it’s more savoury or dessert-like.

Serve caramelized onions alongside steak, pork, in sauces, with eggs, on rustic bread with terrines and pâtés.

Caramelized onions also freeze and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep.

Make use of the entire grill space on your Traeger or smoker and add some tomatoes too.

Smoked Tomatoes On The Traeger Grill

How Long Do Caramelized Onions Take?

This is a slow and low process. I keep my Traeger at 220° and at this temperature you will have perfectly caramelized onions in just over an hour, the same amount of time as you would doing it on the stovetop.

For even sweeter, more intense caramelization and a deeper colour, you can go up to two hours.

You cannot rush the process or you will just end up with burnt or weird mushy onions. There are “hacks” out there that promise quicker caramelization, but I don’t think they work all that well.

Does Baking Soda Speed Up Caramelized Onions?

Technically yes, but the end result is just really gross.

The onions will dissolve into an unappetizing mush with a weird chemical background flavour.

Similarily, sugar does not speed up the process either. You just end up with sickeningly sweet onions and extra sugar that doesn’t need to be there.

Which Fat Or Oil To Use?

My favourite fats and oils to use for making caramelized onions are:

Butter
Lard
Duck Fat
Olive Oil
Ghee
Spiced Ghee

However, I tend to use a mixture of fats for the best results. I personally think butter is a must, and then I will add lard or duck fat for an additional layer of decadence. If you have something like niter kibbeh (a ghee-like clarified butter essential to Ethiopian cuisine) try that too, it’s absolutely incredible.

Which Wood Should You Use?

Whatever wood pellets you have will work fine.

However, according to the official Traeger website, the best wood pellets for vegetables are: Hickory BBQ, Signature Blend, Apple BBQ, Pecan, Alder, Maple, and Winemaker’s Blend.

What Kind of Onions are Best for Caramelized Onions?

Any kind of onion will do! Even shallots work, although I am not a huge personal fan of them for this technique.

My favourite variety of onion is plain yellow ones.

What is the Best Pot or Pan to use for Caramelized Onions?

Cast iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel. Try to avoid nonstick, it will take too long. Enameled cast iron works if it is all you have, just not as well.

For making smoked caramelized onions on a Traeger Grill or other smoker, you will want something that can go directly on the grill grates.

What Can You Make With Caramelized Onions:

For starters, this is my BEST pasta sauce recipe:

My Best Pasta Sauce Recipe: ‘Nduja Sausage With Smoked Caramelized Onions, Tomatoes & Parmigiano-Reggiano (Traeger Grill Or Stovetop)

And you need to try it.

Otherwise, serve caramelized onions with a nice steak or pork chop.

Smoked Caramelized Onions on the Traeger Grill