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Home » Recipes » Condiment Recipes

Caramelized Onion Jam

Published: May 31, 2024 by Chef Ryan Littley

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Caramelized onion jam is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Made with simple ingredients, this rich, hearty jam is packed with flavor

Caramelized onion jam in a glass jar with a spoon.


 

Onion jam is the perfect condiment for burgers, steaks, grilled chicken, pork, cheese boards, and even grilled cheese sandwiches.

Caramelized onion jam on a white platter with toasts and goat cheese.

Caramelized onion jam (aka onion jelly) is a simple combination of onions, sugar, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs. Cooked down into a sticky, sweet, jam-like consistency, you’ll find many uses for this delicious condiment!

If you love onions, make sure to check out my caramelized onions, and French onion dip recipes.

Table of Contents:
  • Ingredients to make Caramelized Onion Jam
  • How to make Caramelized Onion Jam
  • Recipe FAQ’s
  • More Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Caramelized Onion Jam with Balsamic

Ingredients to make Caramelized Onion Jam

Ingredients to make the recipe.

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make our caramelized onion jam recipe. In Chef Speak, this is called the Mise en Place, which translates into Everything in its Place.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed the cooking process, but it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

How to make Caramelized Onion Jam

Collage showing how to begin the recipe.
  • Place the diced onions in a medium bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and mix well. Set aside at room temperature for 60 minutes. Do not strain the liquid from the onions, as it will help soften the onions as they cook.
  • Add the olive oil to a large frying pan over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and their macerating liquid.
  • Cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Then, add the black pepper and 1 tablespoon of thyme leaves to the onions. Stir to combine. Reduce the temperature to medium-low and add the balsamic vinegar.
Collage showing how to finish the recipe.
  • Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this stage, the vinegar will have cooked down into the onions, and the mixture will have become thicker and heavier in the pan.
  • Raise the temperature to medium-high, and add the sugar, stirring to combine. The onions will darken considerably as the sugar takes on the color of the balsamic vinegar.
  • Cook for about 15 minutes or until you can pull a heat-proof spatula through the onions, leaving a path, and the mixture slowly comes back together. Stir occasionally, being careful that the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan.
  • Remove the pan from the heat. Mix in the remaining 1 tablespoon of the thyme leaves and allow the onion jam to cool in the pan. When fully cooled, season with salt, to taste
Toasts with goat cheese and caramelized onions on a white plate.

One of my favorite ways to serve caramelized onion jam is on toast points with a smear of goat cheese. It’s the perfect party appetizer or game-day snack.

Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Recipe FAQ’s

What should I use to caramelize onions?

You can caramelize onions using olive oil, butter, or a combination of both. Olive oil is a good choice because it tolerates heat well. And butter adds a distinctly rich flavor to the caramelized onions.
Using a combination of both is the best of both worlds.

Why do I need to use balsamic vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar deglazes the pan, adds acidity, and helps bring the jam together. It also enhances the jam by boosting the tangy and savory flavors of the caramelized onions.

Can I use a sugar substitute to make the recipe?

Yes, you can. Honey, maple syrup, or even a low-calorie sweetener like Stevia can be used in place of sugar. However, the taste and texture may vary slightly.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

  • French onion dip in a glass bowl.
    French Onion Dip
  • Caramelized onions in a white bowl.
    Caramelized Onions Recipe (Sauteed Onions)
  • French Onion Chicken on a white platter.
    French Onion Chicken
  • Smothered cube steak with mashed potatoes and green beans on a white plate.
    Smothered Cube Steak Recipe

Caramelized onion jam on a white platter with toasts and goat cheese.

Caramelized Onion Jam with Balsamic

Chef Ryan Littley
Caramelized onion jam is the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Made with simple ingredients, this rich, hearty jam is packed with flavor.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
holding and cooling 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Total Time 2 hours hrs
Course condiment, jam
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 88 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large sweet onions medium dice (about 1 ½ pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoon fresh thyme – finely minced
  • 2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place the diced onions in a medium bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of salt and mix well. Set aside at room temperature for 60 minutes. Do not strain the liquid from the onions, as it will help soften the onions as they cook.
  • Add the the olive oil to a large frying pan over medium heat.
  • Add the onions and their macerating liquid, and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the black pepper and 1 tablespoon of thyme leaves to the onions. Stir to combine. Reduce the temperature to medium-low and add the balsamic vinegar.
  • Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. At this stage, the vinegars will have cooked down and into the onions. The mixture will have become thicker and heavier in the pan.
  • Raise the temperature to medium-high, and add the sugar, stirring to combine. The onions will darken considerably as the sugar takes on the color of the balsamic vinegar.
  • Cook, for about 15 minutes or until you can pull a heat proof spatula through the onions leaving a path, and the mixture slowly comes back together. Stir occasionally, being careful the mixture doesn’t stick to the pan.
  • Remove the pan from the heat. Mix in the remaining 1 tablespoon of the thyme leaves and allow the onion jam to cool in the pan. When fully cooled, season with salt, to taste

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 1gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 397mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 57IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg
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Comments

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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  1. Momofboys5 says

    December 31, 2024 at 12:14 pm

    What is the best way to store, if any, leftovers? I want to make a double patch and can in jam jars. Will it keep?

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      December 31, 2024 at 12:40 pm

      You can definitely jar it, as you would normally jar anything to preserve it. Just storing normally in jars it will hold up for 2-3 weeks.

      Reply


My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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