The onions in onion jam get soft but not mushy and have a lovely translucent-honey appearance.

The jam is sweet but still has some allium savoriness at its heart.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Onion jam is silky-soft and what you might describe as decadent.

Southern Living Onion Jam in a jar ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It’s surprising that a simple, humble onion can turn into this incredible spread.

What Is Onion Jam?

The name might stir up a few tears, but the final result is the exact opposite of tear-inducing.

Southern Living Onion Jam ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Onion jam is silky, sweet, and savory.

It is not, despite being mainly onions, potent and astringent.

Thyme is added for a hint of floral freshness.

Southern Living Onion Jam melting the butter in the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

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.

Southern Living Onion Jam adding the onions and thyme to the pan

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients for Onion Jam

You’ll need just seven ingredients to make onion jam.

We’d also vote for using onion jam on aburgeror meatysliders.

Scoop some into a bowl for yourcharcuterie board.

Southern Living Onion Jam cooking the onions until just golden

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Spread over fresh goat cheese or cream cheese like you wouldpepper jelly.

It’s a great make-ahead appetizer for holiday parties or toppings for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

1/4cupunsalted butter

3largesweet onions(about 2 1/2 lb.

Southern Living Onion Jam stirring in the sugar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add onions, salt, and thyme to pan.

Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are almost tender and just barely golden, about 25 minutes.

Stir in cider vinegar; cook until most of liquid evaporates, about 5 minutes.

Southern Living Onion Jam stirring in the apple cider vinegar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Remove from heat; stir in balsamic vinegar.

Cool jam:

Cool to room temperature.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Southern Living Onion Jam stirring in the vinegar

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Onion Jam in a container to store

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox