What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
caramelized
Example
I caramelized the onions to bring out their natural sweetness. [caramelized: past tense]
Example
The chef used a blowtorch to caramelize the sugar on top of the crème brûlée. [caramelize: verb]
roasted
Example
We roasted a chicken for dinner last night. [roasted: past tense]
Example
The vegetables were perfectly roasted, with a delicious char on the outside. [roasted: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Roasted is more commonly used than caramelized in everyday cooking. Roasting is a versatile technique that can be applied to various ingredients, while caramelizing is more specific to certain sweet ingredients or dishes.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between caramelized and roasted?
Both caramelized and roasted can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, caramelized may sound slightly more formal due to its association with desserts and gourmet cooking.
