Did you know that caramelized onions add amazing flavor to just about anything savory, and when transformed into a jam recipe, they become one of the most versatile condiments in your culinary arsenal? This isn’t your typical sweet preserve – caramelized onion jam represents the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that food enthusiasts have been raving about for decades. In fact, at fine dining establishments like Blackberry Farm, onion jam appears at every meal – on sandwiches, alongside breakfast, with toast and on charcuterie boards.

This extraordinary jam recipe takes humble onions and elevates them into a gourmet condiment that rivals any store-bought version. With just six simple ingredients and about 55 minutes of your time, you’ll create a savory-sweet masterpiece that transforms ordinary meals into restaurant-quality experiences.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you need for this remarkable jam recipe:

Essential Ingredients:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil – The foundation for perfect caramelization. Choose high-quality olive oil as since this is a recipe with a limited number of ingredients, you want to make sure they all have the best flavor
• ½ cup white sugar – Creates the golden caramel base that transforms ordinary onions into culinary magic
• 4 cups onion, coarsely chopped – Vidalias are the best onions for this recipe, but you can use any large onions that you have handy
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural sweetness and balances flavors
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (more to taste) – Adds subtle warmth and complexity
• ½ cup red wine vinegar – The acid that adds something tart to the jam and enhances the color of the red onions

Substitution Options:

• Onion varieties: Yellow, red, or sweet onions work beautifully
• Vinegar alternatives: For a more strong and rich jam, you can swap it out for balsamic vinegar
• Sugar options: Light brown sugar will give it a more molasses flavor and the color will be darker

Timing

Total Time Breakdown:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (chopping onions)
• Cooking Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes

This timing represents approximately 20% less cooking time than many traditional caramelized onion recipes, making it an efficient choice for busy home cooks who want gourmet results without spending hours in the kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create the Caramel Base

Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir sugar into oil with a wooden spoon, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a light caramel color (about 10 minutes). Watch carefully as the mixture will liquefy as the sugar melts, creating your flavor foundation.

Pro Tip: Use a wooden spoon to prevent scratching your pan and ensure even mixing. The sugar should develop a golden amber hue – this is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Add Onions and Begin Caramelization

Stir onion, salt, and black pepper into the melted sugar mixture. Reduce heat to medium-low. Onions will immediately start to caramelize. Stir frequently until onions are beautifully browned, about 15 minutes.

Expert Insight: The secret to this insanely tasty jam is to really let the onions caramelize. Your onions should be golden brown, jammy and totally softened.

Step 3: Transform Into Jam Consistency

Pour red wine vinegar into the onion mixture and simmer until the mixture reaches a perfect jam consistency, about 30 minutes. The vinegar will create a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Important: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the process.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove from heat, transfer to a serving bowl, and cool to room temperature. The jam will thicken slightly as it cools, achieving that perfect spreadable consistency.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (Based on Total Recipe):

Note: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making each serving roughly 143 calories with significant vitamin C content from the onions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this indulgent jam recipe into a more health-conscious option without sacrificing flavor:

Sugar Reductions:

• Replace half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness and fewer calories
• Use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option
• Change the sweetness by adding Maple Syrup! Reduce brown sugar amount by the same amount of Maple you mix in

Oil Modifications:

• Reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons vegetable broth for moisture
• Use avocado oil for higher smoke point and neutral flavor
• Try coconut oil for a subtle tropical note

Flavor Enhancements:

• Fresh herbs like rosemary, bay leaves and parsley make for a fragrant and tasty addition to onion jam
• Add minced garlic for extra depth without additional calories
• Include fresh thyme for Mediterranean flair

Serving Suggestions

This versatile jam recipe opens up countless culinary possibilities:

Classic Applications:

• On sandwiches, burgers, crostini with brie and fresh herbs, just about EVERYTHING!
• Divine on toasted baguettes with goat cheese
• On a cheese board — goat cheese, blue cheese, and cheddar are all made better with a dollop. And don’t sleep on spreading it on a warm puff pastry wrapped round of brie!

Creative Uses:

• Pizza Sauce – mix it through your pizza sauce when making homemade pizzas
• Use it as an alternative pizza sauce, or spread it on any sandwich
• An addition to roasted vegetables: stir a spoonful of jam into the veggies when they are hot from the oven
• Mixed with cream cheese, sour cream, and mayo for a caramelized onion dip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Prevent these typical pitfalls to ensure perfect results every time:

Temperature Control Errors:

• Mistake: Cooking on too high heat initially
• Solution: Maintain medium heat for sugar caramelization, then reduce to medium-low for onions

Timing Issues:

• Mistake: Rushing the caramelization process
• Solution: Cook them low and slow to allow them to properly caramelize – patience creates superior flavor

Consistency Problems:

• Mistake: Adding vinegar too early
• Solution: Wait until onions are properly caramelized before adding liquid ingredients

Equipment Considerations:

• Mistake: Using reactive cookware
• Solution: Use a non-reactive pan when making Onion Jam. Think of stainless steel pans, glass pans or ones made from enamel

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Maximize freshness and extend the life of your homemade jam:

Short-term Storage:

• Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks
• Keep in glass jars for best flavor preservation
• Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination

Long-term Preservation:

• To keep the jam up to 2 months, put it in the freezer. Store in ice cube trays. They are easier to thaw and if you are adding them to simmering soups or sauces, you can throw in frozen cubes
• If you use a water canning method to seal it, then it should keep for about a year unopened in your pantry. Just follow government canning guidelines

Pro Storage Tip: It’s easiest to skip the canning method and keep it refrigerated in a glass jar. It lasts for a few months in the fridge when stored properly.

Conclusion

This caramelized onion jam recipe transforms six simple ingredients into a gourmet condiment that elevates everything it touches. With its perfect balance of sweet caramelization and tangy vinegar notes, this versatile jam becomes an indispensable addition to your culinary repertoire. The 55-minute cooking time yields impressive results that rival expensive store-bought alternatives.

Ready to experience this flavor transformation? Try this recipe today and discover why food enthusiasts can’t stop raving about homemade onion jam. Share your results in our review section below, leave a comment about your favorite serving suggestions, and subscribe for more gourmet recipes that bring restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen!

FAQs

Q: Can I use different types of onions for this jam recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can use red onions, yellow onions, white onions, sweet onions or a mix. The original recipe suggests red onions, but any type of onion works with great success. The more intense yellow onions that make you cry will actually intensify the flavor of your finished jam due to higher sulfur compounds.

Q: How long does homemade onion jam last?
A: Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks, or keep it up to 2 months in the freezer. For longer storage, proper water bath canning can extend shelf life to one year.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar content without affecting the recipe?
A: Yes, but be mindful that sugar helps the onions caramelize and this jam turns out savory, while still having a hint of sweetness. You can substitute with light brown sugar, which will give it a more molasses flavor and the color will be darker.

Q: What’s the difference between onion jam and onion relish?
A: There really is little difference from Onion Relish or Onion Jam, it can be used interchangeably. Depending on where you live in the world dictates what you call it. Here in Australia, Onion Relish seems more popular, compared to the USA where Onion Jam is more popular.

Q: Can I double this recipe for gift-giving?
A: Definitely! It’s recommended to double the recipe and give some away! This makes an excellent homemade gift, and though it may seem like a lot of onions, as they cook and turn into jam, they reduce significantly.

Sweet & Savory Onion Jam Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought!)

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• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A savory-sweet caramelized onion jam recipe made with six simple ingredients. This gourmet condiment transforms humble onions into a versatile spread perfect for sandwiches, cheese boards, and more.

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Ingredients

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• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup white sugar
• 4 cups onions, coarsely chopped (Vidalia recommended)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ cup red wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat.
2. Stir in sugar and cook until light caramel color, about 10 minutes.
3. Add onions, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, until onions caramelize (about 15 minutes).
4. Pour in red wine vinegar and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until jammy consistency is reached.
5. Remove from heat, cool to room temperature, and store in jars.

Notes

Vidalia onions create the best balance of sweetness, but yellow, red, or white onions can be used. Vinegar can be swapped for balsamic for a richer flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8 recipe)
• Calories: 143
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 295mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg