Caramelized Onion Jam

Modified: Jun 22, 2026 · Published: Jul 28, 2020 by Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 118 Comments

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This caramelized onion jam made with bourbon is sure to be a hit at BBQ parties.

Red onions, combined with bourbon, maple balsamic, and maple sugar, caramelized to perfection. The perfect topping for burgers, sandwiches and so much more. Try it paired with homemade white bean hummus.

Caramelized onion jam is rich, sweet and savoury, with a soft spreadable texture. A gourmet jam recipe that makes a great food gift.

Between this, savory tomato jam, and flavoured mayo, we have the best homemade condiments for everything.

I have always been a big onion fan. Pickled onions and air fryer onion rings are just a couple of our favourites. Homemade onion gravy is hands down our favourite topper. Perfect for steaks right off the grill. You really need to give it a try.

Now, when it comes to cooking onions, caramelized onions are over the top delicious. If you have never tried them before, you are really missing out!

Caramelizing onions takes time (you cannot rush this process). Believe me, IT IS WORTH the effort (which is not hard). Have you ever tried caramelized onions on burgers? OMG!!!!

Onion Jam Ingredients

For this braised onion compote recipe you will need:

red onions
bourbon
water
olive oil
maple balsamic vinegar
maple sugar
smoked sea salt
cracked black pepper

If you have never used (affiliate)*maple sugar before, you really need to give it a try. I also use (affiliate)* Maple Balsamic and Smoked Sea Salt in this recipe.

How To Make Caramelized Onion Jam

Red wine, bourbon, maple balsamic and maple sugar in a measuring cup to pour into the onions.

This process is NOT HARD. TIME and PATIENCE is required for cooking onions to perfection.

Peel onions and thinly slice.
Combine all the liquid ingredients in a measuring cup.
Cook onions in a heavy-bottomed skillet with olive oil until soft.
Add the liquid, bring to a boil, and reduce the heat.
Cook the onions until soft and liquid is reduced (see recipe card for full instructions).
DO NOT RUSH the cooking process (very important).
Remove from heat and cool.
Place in a glass jar and store in the fridge.

Onions cooking in a pan to make the jam.

Remember to stir during the cooking process (which takes about an hour). Slowly cooking onions draws out the natural sweetness, allowing the sugar in them to caramelize.

Suggestions / Recipe Tips

Best onions for caramelizing? Honestly, this is all personal preference. I like red onions since they are on the sweet side. All varieties will work nicely. The end result is sweet, tender, dark-brown onions.Feel free to try:

Spanish
Vidalia
Walla Walla
Maui
White
Yellow
Shallots

Onions and liquid reducing in a pan to make jam.

Can you use brown sugar? Of course, and it is a wonderful alternative to maple sugar.
Do you have to use alcohol? No you do not, but it really does add to depth of flavour. You can use rum or wine or vermouth in place of bourbon.
Can you use butter? Yup for sure, the olive oil can be replaced with butter. Another oil alternative is avocado oil.
Can you use regular balsamic? Yes you can. I would try and find a nice rich aged balsamic for this. You can also use other flavoured balsamic vinegars as well.

Close up shot of caramelized onions cooking.

How long does it last? This caramelized onion recipe will last for about 2 weeks stored in a glass jar in the fridge. I like to serve it at room temperature.

You can also freeze this onion jam recipe. Place in a freezer bag or ice cube trays. It will last a few months in the freezer. Just thaw before using.

Bourbon Onion Jam getting put into a mason jar.

Preserved Onion Uses

There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy this caramelized onion recipe:

burgers, hot dogs and sausages
sandwiches
use it as a chicken marinade
on top of brie
crostini topping
with bacon and eggs
perfect on pulled pork and beef brisket (yes it sure is)
as a pizza topping
sweet onion spread

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Looking for a few more homemade savoury condiments? Here are a few to try:

Do you have a herb garden? Fresh herb salt is a great way to try preserving fresh herbs. Have you tried freezing herbs?