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    Home » Recipes » Freezing, Preserving & Pickling

    Bourbon Caramelized Onion Jam

    *Updated* Sep 17, 2024 Published: July 28, 2020 / By: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy 118 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure Policy.
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    This Bourbon Caramelized Onion Jam is the hit of BBQ season this year.

    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.

    A jar of Bourbon Caramelized Onion Jam ready to eat.

    Between this and Savory Tomato Jam, we have the best homemade condiments for everything!!

    Are you a bourbon lover? How about onions? This red onion marmalade is over the top delicious.

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    I have ALWAYS been a big onion fan. My daughter, on the other hand, is an onion hater. My husband cannot stand eating them raw but LOVES pickled onions and air fryer onion rings.

    RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this caramelized onion recipe can be found at the bottom of the post.

    He also LOVES bourbon. Boozy Bourbon Iced Coffee and Grilled Nectarine Bourbon Patio Punch have been enjoyed lots this summer. Perfect for bbq parties.

    During the holidays, Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Fudge is a hit on the treat tray (makes an excellent Christmas homemade food gift).

    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!

    A pile of thinly sliced red onions.

    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!!!!

    Homemade Onion Gravy is hands down our favourite topper. Perfect for steaks right off the grill. You really need to give it a try.

    Ingredients for Sweet Onion Bourbon Jam

    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
    A measuring cup with bourbon in it.

    Most recipes for caramelized onions use brown sugar. Maple bourbon is so delicious, I decided to incorporate some maple flavours into this onion relish.

    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.

    Best Onions To Use

    Honestly, this is all personal preference. I like red onions since they are on the sweet side. Feel free to try:

    • Spanish
    • Vidalia
    • Walla Walla
    • Maui
    • White
    • Yellow
    • Shallots

    All varieties will work nicely. The end result is sweet, tender, dark-brown onions.

    Onions and liquid reducing in a pan to make jam.

    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.

    Close up shot of caramelized onions cooking.

    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.

    Preserved Onion Uses

    Where do we start? SO many places like:

    • 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
    Bourbon Onion Jam getting put into a mason jar.

    I am sure you can think of SO MANY DELICIOUS WAYS to enjoy this thick, rich, easy onion jam. Make the perfect food gift to take to your next bbq party.

    Do you have a herb garden? Fresh Herb Salt is a great way to try preserving fresh herbs.

    Close up shot of onion jam on a fork.

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

    • Balsamic Tomato Chutney
    • Bacon Jam
    • Sweet Corn Relish
    Bourbon Onion Jam Pin ImagePin
    A jar of Bourbon Caramelized Onion Jam ready to eat.

    Bourbon Caramelized Onion Jam

    The perfect condiment for burgers, hot dogs, sausages, pulled pork, brisket and more.
    5 from 90 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Rate Save To Your Recipe Box Saved!
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Canadian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 144kcal
    Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

    Ingredients

    • 2 pounds red onions
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ cup bourbon
    • 1 cup water
    • 2 tablespoons maple flavoured balsamic vinegar
    • ⅓ cup maple sugar
    • ½ teaspoons smoked sea salt
    • ¼ teaspoons black pepper
    US Customary – Metric

    Instructions

    • Peel onion, cut in ½ and thinly slice with a knife.
    • In a measuring cup add the bourbon, water, maple balsamic and maple sugar. Mix well.
    • In a heavy-bottomed skillet heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
    • Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent (about 10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper. Be sure to stir.
    • Once the onions are soft, add the liquid mixture.
    • Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low.
    • Put a lid on the skillet, and cook for about 20 minutes (stirring occasionally).
    • Remove the lid, and continue to cook until the liquid reduces (about 30 minutes). Remember to stir.
    • Onions are done when the liquid has reduced to the point it coats the onions with a thick syrup. The onions should be very soft, and a nice dark brown colour.
    • Remove from heat, and cool slightly.
    • Place in a glass jar, and store in the fridge until ready to use.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 153mg | Potassium: 170mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg

    Notes

    I like to serve this onion jam at room temperature. 
    Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
    Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

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      Savory Tomato Jam

    MEET THE AUTHOR

    Gloria Duggan is the author for Homemade & Yummy, where she creates fun and easy recipes. She is also a brand ambassador/influencer for well-known companies. Gloria has judged food competitions and has posted about local food events. Gloria's work has been featured in magazines, and she has been interviewed on several podcasts. Read More…

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Denise

      August 08, 2020 at 5:50 pm

      This jam is amazing! My family loves it, and we use it on so many different things.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 10, 2020 at 9:05 am

        Thanks so much for letting me know. Glad you enjoy this recipe as much as we do.

    2. Paige

      August 06, 2020 at 8:42 pm

      This would be so great on a chicken breast or even salmon! YUM…I am looking forward to making it!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 10, 2020 at 9:05 am

        YES, YES and YES!! It is the perfect topper for sure.

    3. christine

      August 04, 2020 at 11:46 am

      Oh wow, I’ve made and love onion jam but adding bourbon is really taking it to the next level. I am making for sure!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 06, 2020 at 5:06 pm

        Oh yes….bourbon adds another level of deliciousness for sure. Hope you give this onion jam a try soon. Great for burgers…and steak too.

    4. Chef Dennis

      August 03, 2020 at 10:38 pm

      I really love Jams with my burgers and hotdogs and this Bourbon Caramelized Onion Jam looks really perfect. I must have this.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 06, 2020 at 5:06 pm

        ENJOY….I know you will love this super delicious caramelized onion jam.

    5. Noelle

      July 30, 2020 at 10:39 am

      Yum! This was the perfect topping for some homemade crackers I just made, thank you for sharing!!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 02, 2020 at 3:19 pm

        I love this recipe….and can eat it by the spoonful. Enjoy!!

    6. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      July 30, 2020 at 10:17 am

      This sounds like such a wonderful jam! Delicious flavours and perfect for BBQ season.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        July 30, 2020 at 10:25 am

        It is the perfect bbq topping for many things. Hope you give it a try.

    7. kim

      July 30, 2020 at 10:06 am

      This was fabulous! Adds great flavor to sandwiches and burgers and I’ll be making this again and again!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        July 30, 2020 at 10:25 am

        We love this onion jam on burgers.

    8. Toni

      July 30, 2020 at 9:46 am

      I was surprised my kids loved it!! Can’t wait to make it again!!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        July 30, 2020 at 10:25 am

        That is awesome….good that your kids will eat onions.

    9. Alison

      July 30, 2020 at 9:37 am

      I absolutely love caramelized onions, and these are extra special with the addition of bourbon! Tastes great on sandwiches and pizza and so much more!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        July 30, 2020 at 10:26 am

        So worth the effort of caramelizing onions….this jam rocks.

    10. Erika

      July 29, 2020 at 11:00 am

      I love caramelized onions, so this is calling my name. I would love to top my burgers with this onion jam, yum!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        July 30, 2020 at 10:26 am

        This onion jam is the perfect burger topping for sure. Hope you give it a try.

    11. Choclette

      July 29, 2020 at 4:42 am

      I adore onions and can’t imagine a life of cooking without them. So this recipe is definitely one for me. I’m intrigued by your inclusion of Bourbon and now I can’t wait to try it. Happy BBQ season.

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        July 30, 2020 at 10:27 am

        OMG if really need to give this bourbon onion jam a try SOON!!

    12. christine

      July 28, 2020 at 10:32 pm

      Caramelized onions are my jam…. see what I did there lol. Seriously, I am obsessed w/ caramelized onions and these ones are next level!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        July 30, 2020 at 10:27 am

        HAHHA…love all the puns….and I know you will love the jam.

    13. Ana

      August 05, 2019 at 6:32 am

      I never thought about doing this! I love eating burgers with grilled onions but this will take them to the next level! Thanks for sharing such a yummy recipe!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 05, 2019 at 9:26 am

        We just had these on brisket at a bbq party….DELICIOUS!

    14. Julie

      August 04, 2019 at 11:23 pm

      I love the flavors in this! Do you think it would puree well if I want a more traditionally smooth texture? A quick run through the food processor or an immersion blender – or will it be too thick?

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 05, 2019 at 9:26 am

        I think it would be fine. You can always not cook them down as much, leaving a bit more liquid in the pan.

    15. Sara

      August 04, 2019 at 11:16 pm

      I think this would be great on burgers or BLT’s! I just got a bottle of burbon yesterday. I never buy it, so it must have been destiny for this jam!

      Reply
      • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

        August 05, 2019 at 9:27 am

        ENJOY…the neighbours love when I bring this to parties.

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