Beef Free Caramelized Onion Jam

Total time1 hr 5 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time55 min

4.9

(16)

Sweet, tangy, and deeply savory, this caramelized onion jam is the kind of condiment that quietly steals the show on any table. Slow-cooked yellow onions transform into something almost unrecognizable — silky, amber-colored, and rich with natural sweetness that only patience and butter can produce. A hit of honey and apple cider vinegar at the end balances the deep caramel notes with just enough brightness, while fresh thyme ties it all together with an herby lift. Every single ingredient here is plant-based or dairy, so there's no need to scan labels or worry about hidden animal proteins sneaking into your spread. It's a fantastic topping for crostini, a grilled cheese upgrade, a burger alternative on a veggie patty, or stirred into a grain bowl for instant depth. The technique is straightforward — just low heat, a little patience, and occasional stirring — and the payoff is a jar of something that tastes genuinely gourmet. Make a batch on the weekend and you'll find yourself reaching for it all week long.

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Ingredients

8 servings

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 lb yellow onions (about 4 medium), thinly sliced
½ tsp fine sea salt
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp water, plus more as needed

Instructions

1
Melt the butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until foamy and just beginning to subside.
2
Add the sliced onions and salt, tossing to coat. Cook over medium heat, stirring every 3–4 minutes, until the onions have fully wilted and turned pale gold, about 20 minutes. If the onions begin to stick or brown unevenly before they have softened, add 1 tbsp of water and scrape up any fond.

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