A Taste of Home: Introducing Caramelized Onion Jam

Oh, do you remember those potluck dinners where everyone brought their signature dish? There was always that one spread that just… disappeared first. Chances are, it involved sweet, deeply flavorful caramelized onions. Well, guess what? You can recreate that magic in your own kitchen with this incredibly easy Caramelized Onion Jam recipe! It’s the kind of thing that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. And the best part? It’s ridiculously quick and oh-so-satisfying to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together for such a complex flavor.
Easy: Minimal steps, maximum deliciousness. Even a beginner can nail this!
Giftable: Pack it into pretty jars, tie a ribbon around it, and you’ve got a homemade gift that will be cherished.
Crowd-pleasing: From cheese boards to sandwiches, this jam is a guaranteed hit with everyone.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun, right? For this delightful jam, you’ll want to grab:

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil: Your everyday cooking oil will do the trick.
3 yellow onions, thinly sliced: These are the stars of our show! Yellow onions offer a lovely balance of sweetness and mildness when caramelized.
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Just a little hint of garlicky goodness to add depth.
¼ teaspoon salt: To enhance all those wonderful flavors.
¼ teaspoon pepper: A touch of warmth.
Pinch of sugar: A little boost to kickstart that caramelization.
⅓ cup maple syrup: This is where the magic happens! It adds a beautiful sweetness and a gorgeous sticky texture.
⅓ cup red wine vinegar: The tanginess cuts through the sweetness and balances everything out perfectly.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: For that umami punch that makes everything taste better.
1 teaspoon chopped thyme: Fresh thyme brings an earthy, slightly floral note that’s divine.
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary: Rosemary adds a wonderfully aromatic, piney flavor that pairs beautifully with onions.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of freshness right at the end.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step Deliciousness

Alright, let’s get our aprons on and make some magic happen! It’s easier than you think.

Start the Onions: Grab a large skillet or a nice, sturdy pot and heat your oil over medium heat. Toss in your thinly sliced onions. Now, the key here is patience! You’ll want to cook them, stirring every now and then, until they’re softened and just starting to turn golden brown. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Don’t rush this step – it’s where all that sweet flavor begins to develop.
Add the Aromatics: Once your onions are looking lovely and a little bronzed, it’s time to add the chopped garlic, salt, pepper, and that little pinch of sugar. Stir it all around and cook for another couple of minutes until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky aroma.
The Sweet & Tangy Splash: Now for the flavor boosters! Pour in your maple syrup, red wine vinegar, and that all-important Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good stir to combine everything.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a little, reduce the heat to low. Let it cook, uncovered, for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll want to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on it – you’re looking for the jam to thicken up beautifully and turn a deep, gorgeous caramel color. This is the part where you’ll start to smell that irresistible sweet and savory aroma filling your kitchen!
Herbal Infusion: Once it’s reached that perfect jammy consistency, stir in your chopped fresh thyme and rosemary. Let them mingle with the jam for a minute to release their lovely fragrance.
A Touch of Green: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in your chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. It adds a lovely pop of color too!
Cool Down: Let your amazing Caramelized Onion Jam cool down completely before you serve it or store it. This allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

Substitutions & Creative Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but you know I love a good tweak! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Vinegar Swap: Don’t have red wine vinegar? Balsamic vinegar is a fantastic alternative for a richer, slightly deeper flavor. Apple cider vinegar also works well for a fruitier tang.
Sweetener Switch: While maple syrup is divine, you could also try honey or even a dark brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Spice It Up: Feeling a little adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic for a subtle kick.
Fruity Fun: For a touch of sweetness and texture, consider adding some finely diced apple or fig along with the onions in the beginning.
Boozy Boost: If you’re feeling fancy, a tablespoon or two of your favorite bourbon or brandy added in step 4 can add another layer of complexity.

Tips for Success

A few little secrets to ensure your jam turns out perfectly every time:

Don’t Crowd the Pan: If your skillet isn’t big enough for all those onions, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can steam them instead of caramelizing them.
Low and Slow is Key: While the initial softening of the onions is medium heat, the final thickening phase really benefits from low heat to develop that deep caramel color without burning.
Stir, Stir, Stir: Especially in the final stages, give your jam a good stir every 5-10 minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan, which can lead to a bitter taste.
Prep Ahead: You can slice your onions a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This can save you a few minutes on jam-making day!

How to Store It

This Caramelized Onion Jam is a pantry staple waiting to happen! Once completely cooled:

Refrigerator: Store your jam in an airtight container or a clean jar in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the jam in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a freezer bag. It should last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a food processor to slice the onions?

A: You can, but slicing them by hand or using a mandoline gives you more control over the thickness and can prevent them from becoming too mushy during the cooking process. If you use a food processor, pulse them carefully to get thin, even slices.

Q: My jam seems too thin. What should I do?

A: No worries! If your jam hasn’t thickened as much as you’d like after the cooking time, simply continue to simmer it on low heat, stirring more frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency. Be patient, it can take a little longer!

Q: How long does the jam last once opened?

A: Once you’ve opened a jar of your delicious Caramelized Onion Jam, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator and enjoy it within about 10-14 days for the freshest flavor.

Caramelized Onion Jam

Sweet and savory caramelized onion jam that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful condiment, perfect for cheese boards, sandwiches, and more. Quick, easy, and giftable!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Equipment

Large skillet or pot
Airtight container
Jar(s)
ice cube trays optional for freezing

Ingredients

Main ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
3 large yellow onions thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon pepper
0.25 teaspoon sugar pinch
0.33 cup maple syrup
0.33 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon thyme chopped fresh
1 teaspoon rosemary chopped fresh
2 tablespoons parsley chopped fresh

Instructions

Heat oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and starting to turn golden brown (about 15-20 minutes).
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Add chopped garlic, salt, pepper, and sugar. Stir and cook for another couple of minutes until fragrant.
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Pour in maple syrup, red wine vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to combine.
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and a deep caramel color.
Stir in chopped fresh thyme and rosemary. Let mingle for a minute.
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.
2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
Let cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.