Sweet and Spicy Canned Onion Marmalade (Jam)

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This sweet and spicy onion jam recipe for canning is like a delicious onion marmalade with pieces of sweet onion floating in a lower sugar glaze. It is easy to make and perfect for meat glazes, toppings and great for appetizer plates.

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I've been making this sweet and spicy onion marmalade off and on for years, ever since seeing the original version in Jan Roberts-Dominguez's food preservation column in The Oregonian newspaper when I first started canning.

I love sweet onions and was looking for a way to preserve them through the winter.

This sweet and spicy onion marmalade goes way beyond that though, adding flavor to meats, seafood, and appetizers. It's basically an onion jam canning recipe with larger pieces of the sweet onion like a citrus marmalade.

I used to think of this as an addictive condiment until I started making Addictive Tomato Chutney, but this runs a close second. Maybe I should call it "slightly addictive onion marmalade?"

Well, whatever I call it, it's really just plain good.

I've adapted it through the years to use honey instead of white sugar (and a lot less of it) and lots more red pepper flakes for added spice, though of course you can adjust that if you don't like things as spicy as we do.

This is only slightly spicy with the one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, though–not too spicy at all for most pf the people I've served it to - everyone loves it as much as I do!

Sweet & Spicy Onion Marmalade - An Onion Jam Recipe for Canning

What is onion marmalade made of?

For this canned onion jam, you'll need:

onions (sweet or a mix of sweet and regular)
apple juice
apple cider vinegar
garlic
salt (sea salt or canning)
black pepper
ground mustard
crushed red pepper flakes
Low or No Sugar Needed pectin - Flex Batch (I usually use this brand's "flex batch" pectin, but you can also use this low or no sugar pectin)
butter or oil (optional to reduce foaming, but I always use it)
honey
brown sugar

Directions

Even though it's a canning recipe, you don't actually have to can it - it will keep a couple months in the refrigerator or longer in the freezer.

Although it's really easy to can in a water bath canner/pot, too–it's just a matter of adding a few simple steps to the initial cooking process:

Prep ingredients and add them to a pot.
Boil, then add the honey/sugar.
Boil again for a minute.
Ladle marmalade into hot, prepared canning jars (here's where you'd refrigerate or freeze if not canning).
Seal and add them to a boiling water canner.
Boil for 10 minute
Remove from canner and cool.

So in less than an hour, you can have six small jars of delicious sweet and spicy onion marmalade lining your pantry shelves–or to give away as special gifts (they've been really popular when I've gifted them!)

Would you like more help canning? Get a full tutorial for the easy Boiling Water Canning Steps here or view the video below:

Sweet and Spicy Onion Marmalade Appetizer Plate

Onion Marmalade Serving Suggestions

This marmalade makes a wonderful glaze for meats and seafood, and is particularly good on a roasted ham.

But one of my favorite ways to serve this is as a simple appetizer on top of cream cheese or a flavored Boursin cheese. It's really good.

And I love serving different foods for guests other than what you can find in stores - it really personalizes it and helps it seem more special.

Canned Onion Jam/Marmalade FAQs

Is onion marmalade/jam the same as onion chutney?

Technically, this is actually a chutney, since a marmalade is made with citrus fruit, whereas a chutney uses vegetables or fruit, vinegar and sugar (although that is in the broadest sense of the term and there are a lot of variations on that). Whatever you decide to call it, anyone who eats it will only call it good!

How do you preserve sweet onions?

Canning them in a jam like this is one of my favorite ways to preserve sweet onions when they're in season. You can also dice and freeze them to use in sauces, soups and cooked dishes.

What can I use onion marmalade for?

In addition to the suggestions in the recipe card for glazes and appetizers, you can also marinate chicken thighs and drumsticks with onion marmalade plus salt, pepper, and fresh thyme for an hour before roasting as usual.

Another idea is to make onion cheese toast or a grilled sandwich. Spread a layer of onion marmalade onto a slice of good bread, top with the cheese of your choice, and toast open face or top with another piece of bread and toast in a pan for grilled cheese. (Served with a salad, this makes a quick, light, meatless meal.)

I hope you enjoy this onion marmalade as much as we do!

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