Stop! Do not push your slow cooker to the back of the cabinet just because summer is coming. Caramelized onions are one of my favorites, especially for summer cooking, and your trusty Crock Pot makes an easy-peasy big bunch.

What do I do with caramelized onions? Let me count the ways. Top grilled burgers. Grilled steaks. Grilled chops. Grilled pork tenderloin. Smoked brisket. Pizza and flat breads of all kinds. Sandwiches. Crostini. Dips. Quiche. Salad. Pasta salad. Vegetable tarts. Need I keep going?

Sure, you can make a batch in your skillet and use them in that dip or spoon them on top of the burger. But, that takes time and who wants to stand at the stove on a hot, summer day when everyone is outside grilling?

Crock Pot to the rescue. I make a big batch in the slow cooker. Then, freeze them in portion packs—maybe about ½ cup per freezer bag. Just thaw and use.

I grill most every night during the summer. (Well, truth be told, we grill all year long, and my wonderful hubby stands out in the rain and snow.) Spooning these caramelized onions over the grilled meats make them wonderful.  I often spoon them on grilled burgers. Last night we had a great sandwich. I grilled marinated pork cubes (on skewers) then served them with caramelized onions on hoagie rolls. We loved them.

So, get ready for summer cooking ahead.