Easy homemade Red Onion Jam with red wine and vinegar—ideal for cheese platters, burgers, or appetizers. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Few condiments strike a balance between sweet, tangy, and savoury quite like Red Onion Jam. This deeply caramelised spread pairs beautifully with cheese boards, grilled meats, burgers, or even toasted sourdough. Made with just a handful of pantry staples—red onions, red wine vinegar, dry red wine, brown sugar, and salt—it transforms humble onions into a gourmet preserve packed with flavour and character.
This onion jam adds instant sophistication to everyday meals. Slow caramelisation brings out the onions’ natural sweetness, while red wine and vinegar lend depth and tang. Brown sugar ties it together, creating a glossy, velvety jam that complements both savoury and mildly sweet dishes.
Serving Ideas
This Red Onion Jam is an incredibly versatile condiment that adds complexity and a gourmet twist to a number of dishes.
- Cheese Boards & Charcuterie: Pair it with soft cheeses like brie or camembert, aged cheddar, or creamy goat cheese. Its sweet-sour flavour balances rich cheeses and cured meats beautifully, making it a great addition to your cheese boards.
- Sandwiches & Burgers: Spread a layer on grilled sandwiches, paninis, or burgers for a burst of caramelised sweetness. It compliments beef patties, bacon, grilled mushrooms, or even paneer.
- Breakfast & Brunch: Add a spoonful to buttered toast, bagels with cream cheese (YUM!!), or avocado toast for a savoury-sweet start to the day. It also pairs wonderfully with scrambled or poached eggs.
- Roasted or Grilled Dishes: Serve it alongside roast chicken, lamb chops, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables. It enhances umami flavours and adds a touch of acidity to balance richness.
- Appetisers: Top crostini or crackers with onion jam, mascarpone, or ricotta for elegant party bites. You can even swirl it into puff pastry tarts or serve it as a chutney-style dip.
- Holiday Entertaining: Include it on festive platters with nuts, olives, and fresh fruit for an impressive, crowd-pleasing spread.
Tips for the Best Red Onion Jam
- Slice the onions thinly and evenly for uniform caramelisation.
- Choose a dry red wine such as Merlot or Shiraz for robust flavour.
- Keep the heat low and stir frequently to prevent scorching.
Storing Instructions
Transfer the cooled jam to a sterilised glass jar and seal tightly. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavour deepens over time, so it tastes even better the next day. For long-term storage, freeze in small airtight containers or silicone cubes for up to three months.
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Red Onion Jam
3/4
Cup5
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minutesEasy homemade Red Onion Jam with red wine and vinegar—ideal for cheese platters, burgers, or appetizers. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
2 large red onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
¼ cup dry red wine
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Salt to taste
Directions
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Reduce heat to low and stir occasionally until the onions soften and turn translucent. To make the process faster you can cover the plan with a lid.
- Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes, letting the onions darken and release their natural sweetness. Add a splash of water if sticking to the pan.
- Pour in the dry red wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any caramelised bits.
- Stir in the brown sugar and red wine vinegar. Simmer on low heat until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning, then let the jam cool completely before storing.
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