Onion Jam Is Proof Patience Truly Is A Virtue

Onion jam is silky-soft and what you might describe as decadent. It's surprising that a simple, humble onion can turn into this incredible spread. With bright notes from thyme and vinegar, it has a lot of depth of flavor that makes this simple spread anything but.

You can spoon onion jam onto crostini or crackers as a stand-alone appetizer, but we love it served with roasted meats, on sandwiches or burgers, or even with fresh, tangy goat cheese.

Learn how to make onion jam, and then you'll dream up all the delicious ways to use it. Good news! It lasts up to two weeks in the fridge, so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy it any way you want.

What Is Onion Jam?

The name might stir up a few tears, but the final result is the exact opposite of tear-inducing. Onion jam is silky, sweet, and savory. It is not, despite being mainly onions, potent and astringent.

Onion jam is made by slowly (and we mean slowly) cooking onions first in butter, then in sugar until they reach a honey-like color and tender bite. Thyme is added for a hint of floral freshness.

To balance the sweetness and richness of the syrupy onions, the jam is finished with vinegar. Some people like only balsamic vinegar, but we like the lighter color and sweeter flavor of cider vinegar. A bit of balsamic vinegar will finish out the jam with fruity flavors.

Ingredients for Onion Jam

You'll need just seven ingredients to make onion jam. Here's what you should gather:

• Sweet onions: You can use another type of onion, or more than one kind, but the natural sweetness of these onions is echoed in the jam's flavors. Plus, one type of onion will cook evenly so you get the right texture in every spoonful.
• Butter: Adds richness to the onion mixture and helps them begin to cook.
• Kosher salt: For seasoning and to balance the flavors of the final spread.
• Thyme: The light, bright flavors of thyme lifts the sometimes overwhelming onion flavor. The sprigs are removed before serving.
• Sugar: Brings out juices in the onions so they can cook more, plus lends a syrupy finish to the jam.
• Cider vinegar: The slight sweetness of cider vinegar echoes the sweetness of the onions and sugar.
• Balsamic vinegar: A final bit of balsamic vinegar is a welcome addition of fruity flavors and deep sweetness.

How To Make Onion Jam

The hardest part about onion jam is the hands-on time it requires of you to stir and stir and stir some more. Here's a brief outline of the recipe; full instructions are further below:

• Tenderize onions. Cook onions in melted butter with thyme and salt until they just begin to turn golden.
• Add sugar. Sprinkle the sugar over the onions, and continue cooking until the mixture is the color of honey.
• Add vinegars. Stir in the cider vinegar and cook to let it evaporate. Finish by stirring in the balsamic vinegar, and remove the thyme sprigs.
• Cool onion jam. Move the jam to an airtight container, and let cool to room temperature. Store in the fridge.
  

Our Tips for Great Onion Jam

• Don't walk away. While the onions do cook for almost an hour, you need to stay near the stove because the mixture could get too hot and burn easily.
• Speaking of heat, keep the temperature at medium. Don't be tempted to speed things up with a higher heat. If you notice the onions getting too much color too quickly, reduce the heat to control it a bit better.
• If you like the flavor of rosemary more than thyme, feel free to swap the herbs. Both would be delicious in this spread.
• We like sweet onions because they amplify the sweetness of the jam, but you could use any other type of onion you want. The final flavor of the jam will vary based on the onions' flavor.
  

Ways To Use Onion Jam

Don't mind us if we spoon onion jam right on to crostini or toasted bread slices, but we'd also love to eat this spread alongside roast beef or roast pork. We'd also vote for using onion jam on a burger or meaty sliders. Scoop some into a bowl for your charcuterie board. Spread over fresh goat cheese or cream cheese like you would pepper jelly.

How To Store Onion Jam

Onion jam will last in the fridge up to two weeks if stored in an airtight container. It's a great make-ahead appetizer for holiday parties or toppings for weeknight dinners.