Yes, you can buy frozen caramelized onions. Caramelized onions are onions that have been cooked slowly over low heat until they become soft, sweet, and golden brown in color. The process of caramelizing brings out the natural sugars in the onion, resulting in a rich, sweet, almost jam-like texture. While fresh caramelized onions are delicious, they can also be a bit time consuming to make from scratch. Luckily, many grocery stores now sell convenient frozen bags of pre-made caramelized onions that can be easily heated up and used any time a recipe calls for them. Below we’ll take a closer look at some common questions around buying and using frozen caramelized onions.
Where can you buy frozen caramelized onions?
Frozen caramelized onions can be found in the frozen vegetable or frozen food aisle of most major grocery stores. Popular national brands that sell them include Birds Eye, Trader Joe’s, and Wyman’s. You may also find store brand or regional brands as well. They are often stocked alongside other frozen onion products like regular onions and fried onions. Some higher end grocers like Whole Foods may even have them in the prepared foods section or freezer case. If your regular store doesn’t carry frozen caramelized onions, you can also find many options to order online and have shipped from various food retailers.
What are some brands of frozen caramelized onions?
| Brand | Product Name |
|---|---|
| Birds Eye | Caramelized Onions |
| Trader Joe’s | Caramelized Onion |
| Wyman’s | Caramelized Onions |
| Farm Boy | Caramelized Onions |
| 365 Whole Foods | Caramelized Onions |
Some of the major national brands of frozen caramelized onions include Birds Eye, Trader Joe’s, Wyman’s, Farm Boy, and 365 Whole Foods. Store or regional brands are also available at many local supermarkets.
How are frozen caramelized onions packaged?
Frozen caramelized onions are most often packaged in either plastic bags or plastic containers. The plastic bags are usually resealable zipper bags that contain anywhere from 8 to 32 ounces of onions. They often can lay flat for easy freezer storage. The plastic containers tend to be rigid squares or rounds that contain 10 to 20 ounces of onions. They will have a plastic lid that seals the container. No matter the packaging, frozen caramelized onions are usually loose packed, meaning the onions are loose in the packaging rather than set in a solid block. This makes it easier to take out just the amount needed. The onions themselves will be fully separated and loose, not stuck together in big clumps.
What size bags or containers are available?
Frozen caramelized onions can be found in a range of container sizes including:
– 8 ounce bags
– 12 ounce bags
– 16 ounce bags
– 20 ounce bags
– 32 ounce bags
– 10 ounce plastic containers
– 16 ounce plastic containers
– 20 ounce plastic containers
The most common sizes tend to be 12 to 16 ounce bags. Larger bulk sizes like 32 ounce bags may be more suitable for restaurants or food service establishments. Smaller containers around 10 ounces are handy for smaller households. Ultimately it depends on how frequently you plan to use them and what quantity you’ll need per use. Larger bags keep longer after opening but smaller portions can help prevent waste if you only need a small amount.
How long do frozen caramelized onions last?
Properly stored, frozen caramelized onions will typically last 8 to 12 months in the freezer before quality starts to decline. To maximize freshness and shelf life, keep them constantly frozen at 0°F or colder. Do not allow them to thaw and refreeze. Once thawed, refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for 3 to 5 days. Over time, the onions may start to develop freezer burn, lose some flavor, and become waterlogged in texture. Discard if they smell or look off upon thawing. The expiry date on the packaging can also provide guidance for how long that specific product will last frozen. Ultimately it’s best to use frozen caramelized onions within a year for optimal quality.
How should you store frozen caramelized onions?
Frozen caramelized onions should always be stored flat in the freezer according to package directions. Laying them flat prevents the onions from sticking together in a solid clump, making them easier to use. Make sure your freezer is set to 0°F or below. Place package on a flat shelf or in a freezer bin, not the door where temperature fluctuations can occur. Do not overstuff your freezer as adequate air circulation is important. After opening, re-seal opened bags tightly pressing out excess air, or replace lid securely on containers before returning to the freezer. Avoid any temperature abuse like leaving them on the counter to thaw for extended time. With proper freezer storage, they’ll last for months.
How do you thaw frozen caramelized onions?
There are several methods to safely thaw frozen caramelized onions:
– Thaw overnight in the fridge: For best results, place bag or container in a bowl to catch any liquid. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or up to 24 hours.
– Microwave: Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until thawed. Use immediately.
– Cold water: Place onions in a sealed bag then submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 mins. Thaw up to 1 hour.
– On the counter: Thaw sealed bag on the counter for 1-2 hours. Do not leave unrefrigerated longer than 2 hours.
– Sauté frozen: Add frozen onions directly to a sauté pan. Cook over medium-low heat until thawed and heated through, about 10 minutes.
Once thawed, use immediately or transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate up to 5 days. Avoid refreezing thawed onions. Thaw only what you plan to use within a few days.
Can you refreeze thawed caramelized onions?
It is not recommended to refreeze thawed caramelized onions. Thawed onions will have a mushier texture when refrozen. Refreezing can also increase the risk of foodborne illness. If you thawed more than you need, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge instead of refreezing. Use within 3 to 5 days. Discard if onions look or smell off. For best quality and food safety, always thaw only the amount of onions you plan to use immediately.
What are some ways to use frozen caramelized onions?
Here are some easy ways to use frozen caramelized onions:
- Pizza or flatbread topping – Adds sweetness
- Omelets or breakfast scrambles
- Quesadillas, sandwiches, paninis – Great flavor booster
- Salads, pasta, or grain bowls
- Soups, stews, chilis
- Burgers or hot dogs
- Roasts, meatloaf, meatballs – Enhance savory dishes
- Casseroles or baked pasta dishes
- Sautéed vegetables
Caramelized onions pair well in both sweet and savory recipes. Their rich, jam-like texture and toasted sweetness makes a delicious addition to a wide variety of foods. Use thawed onions in any recipe that calls for regular caramelized onions.
What are the benefits of using frozen vs. fresh caramelized onions?
There are a few advantages to using frozen caramelized onions rather than making them from scratch:
– Convenience – Frozen onions are pre-made saving prep time
– Longer shelf life – Frozen lasts months, fresh only days
– Consistent results – Uniformly caramelized and sweet
– Year round availability – Easy to find even when onions are out of season
– More budget friendly – No need to buy and caramelize pounds of fresh onions
– Avoid heating up kitchen – No need to slow cook onions for long time
While you can’t beat the aroma of caramelizing onions from scratch, frozen offer comparable flavor and skip the time-consuming process. For an easy shortcut in recipes, frozen caramelized onions are hard to beat.
Are there any downsides to frozen caramelized onions?
There are a couple potential downsides to keep in mind with frozen caramelized onions:
– Slightly mushier texture – Freezing and thawing can make them less crispy
– Loss of some fresh onion flavor – Not as robust as freshly made
– Potential for freezer burn – Can dry out onions if stored improperly
– Shorter shelf life after thawing – Use within 3-5 days
– More expensive per ounce – Saving labor comes at a cost
While not quite as fresh tasting or crispy textured as homemade, frozen offer time-savings and convenience. Handle properly and use within recommended times, and frozen caramelized onions can be a tasty shortcut ingredient.
Conclusion
Frozen caramelized onions provide a quick and easy way to add sweet, oniony flavor to all types of savory recipes. Major grocery stores carry popular national brands as well as store labels in the frozen aisle. Available in plastic bags or containers from 8 to 32 ounces, they can be thawed by fridge, microwave, or cold water method. While not exactly the same as homemade, frozen caramelized onions offer convenience and reliability. Store them flat in the freezer at 0°F, thaw only what you need, and use within a few days for best results. For an effortless way to instantly take dishes to the next level, keep a bag handy in your freezer.