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Onion Marmalade with bacon is the perfect condiment to top many different things, from burgers to salads. It’s an easy, tasty, savory treat that everyone enjoys.
Who doesn’t love a good burger? I know I do and I love all the different toppings that you can put on the burgers, especially this Onion Marmalade.
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“This was just so delicious. My kitchen smells amazing! The recipe didn’t mention when to add the bacon after cooked so added at the very end. I used brown sugar.
Simmering it took quite a while to reduce to a jammy consistency—longer than 15-20 min.
It was worth the wait! Think I might make a grilled cheese for dinner and add some “marmalade” (I like that name more than jam…) Will need to get a couple more onions…and bacon to make another batch since I actually made and gave as Christmas gifts. I might have to double it next time!!” – Caryn
Burgers during the summer months are just a staple. But, they can get a little boring sometimes. I really wanted to mix up dinner and I thought to myself that an epic burger was in order.
I love to out-do myself on burgers at times, although I love just a plain burger, toppings really make them and I love coming up with different topping ideas
This marmalade was just the perfect accompaniment to our meal. Trust me, once you try it you will see why we absolutely love it so so much.
It is one of our go-to recipes nowadays and we love putting it on so many things, I even can’t help myself from eating it right from the jar!
That’s how you know you’ve struck gold with a recipe. Can’t help but gobble it up!
We love making our own homemade sauces and condiments. Onion Marmalade is high on my list! It’s so much easier than you think!
Some of my other favorite condiments we have on our site include Homemade BBQ Sauce, Homemade Mayonnaise and this Tartar Sauce!
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE onion marmalade:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- WHAT TO USE THIS WITH?
- CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
- ANY OTHER ADDITIONS OR SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Savory Red Onion Marmalade with Bacon
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- With minimal and delicious ingredients, this is easy to whip up.
- You can double the batch to have more on hand.
- You can play with the flavors to get the right flavor preference.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Bacon
- Bacon fat
- Butter
- Red onions
- Granulated sugar
- Red wine
- Balsamic vinegar
- Thyme leaves
HOW TO MAKE onion marmalade:
- Cook and drain bacon on paper towels.
- Take two tablespoons of the reserved bacon drippings in the pan, add in the butter, and let it melt.
- Add the onions and toss to coat in the fat.
- Add in the sugar and stir to combine.
- Take two tablespoons of the reserved bacon drippings in the pan, add in the butter, and let it melt.
- Add the onions and toss to coat in the fat.
- Add in the sugar and stir to combine.
- Onions: Substitute red onions with sweet onions, yellow onions, or white onions. Each type brings a slightly different flavor profile.
- Sugar: Use brown sugar or soft brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
- Vinegar: Swap balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different tanginess.
- Wine: If you don’t have red wine, white wine or even apple juice can be used as alternatives.
- Herbs and Spices: Add fresh thyme, bay leaves, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor. A bit of black pepper can also enhance the taste.
- Fats: Use olive oil or unsalted butter instead of bacon fat if you prefer. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon entirely and rely on olive oil for sautéing.
- Fruit Additions: Incorporate diced apples or raisins during the cooking process for a hint of sweetness and texture.
- Citrus Zest: Add a touch of orange juice or zest to brighten up the marmalade.
- Garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the onions for an added depth of flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist.
- If you want a richer flavor you can substitute brown sugar for regular sugar.
- The onions need to be sliced and not diced, you can dice them but they will cook faster and will have a smaller cut.
- Red wine is essential to the flavor of this recipe, please do not skip this.
- The balsamic vinegar adds a richness to this marmalade that you will want to add, again to not skip!
- If you do not have fresh thyme you can substitute it with dried thyme.
- 4 sliced thick cut bacon 1/2 inch dice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 medium red onions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Cook and drain bacon on paper towels.4 sliced thick cut bacon
- Take two tablespoons of the reserved bacon drippings in the pan, add in the butter, and let it melt.1 tablespoon butter
- Add the onions and toss to coat in the fat.2 medium red onions
- Add in the sugar and stir to combine.1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Cook for 10-15 minutes over medium heat until most of the liquid is absorbed and the onions start to caramelize, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and simmer on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.1 cup red wine, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Take off the heat and let the marmalade cool. Serve on top of burgers or any other way you wish.
- If you want a richer flavor you can substitute brown sugar for regular sugar.
- The onions need to be sliced and not diced, you can dice them but they will cook faster and will have a smaller cut.
- Red wine is essential to the flavor of this recipe, please do not skip this.
- The balsamic vinegar adds a richness to this marmalade that you will want to add, again to not skip!
- If you do not have fresh thyme you can substitute it with dried thyme.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT TO USE THIS WITH?
Sweet Onion Marmalade is a versatile and delicious condiment that can enhance a variety of dishes.
You can spread it over a cheese platter with goat cheese, blue cheese, or sharp cheddar, adding a sweet and savory note that pairs wonderfully with cheeses and cold meats.
It’s perfect for topping burgers, grilled cheese, or sandwiches, bringing a gourmet twist with the combination of crispy bacon and caramelized onions.
Serve it alongside pork chops or grilled chicken—the sweet and tangy flavors complement savory meats, making it a great condiment for main courses
CAN THIS BE MADE AHEAD?
Yes, you can make it ahead of time!
Making it in advance allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in an even more delicious marmalade.
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container or sealed jar; it will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months.
Keep in mind that it may harden due to the bacon fat solidifying; before serving, reheat it over medium-low heat in a large skillet or saucepan until it reaches the desired consistency.
ANY OTHER ADDITIONS OR SUBSTITUTIONS?
Absolutely! You can customize this red onion marmalade recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Here are some ideas:
You really can’t get any easier than that! So little steps and time it takes to make this amazing marmalade recipe that it is crazy and crazy good.
It is one recipe that I highly recommend that you give a try at least once, and once you try it you’ll want to keep making it, I promise!
It is sweet and salty with a deep, rich flavor from balsamic vinegar and red wine! Seriously, this stuff is so good I have been putting it in my salads too yum.
HOW TO STORE:
We like to place this in jars and it will keep for about 2-4 weeks in the fridge.
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe as it will release too much liquid when it is defrosted.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
Looking for a fun burger or salad topping?
You have to make this Onion Marmalade, you will fall in love once you try it!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this ONION MARMALADE let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Savory Red Onion Marmalade with Bacon
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
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This was wonderful! But it didn’t say when to add the bacon in. So of course added in at the last.
This was just so delicious. My kitchen smells amazing! The recipe didn’t mention when to add the bacon after cooked so added at the very end. I used brown sugar.
Simmering it took quite a while to reduce to a jammy consistency—longer than 15-20 min.
It was worth the wait! Think I might make a grilled cheese for dinner and add some “marmalade” (I like that name more than jam…) Will need to get a couple more onions…and bacon to make another batch since I actually made and gave as Christmas gifts. I might have to double it next time!!
Delicious and came together so easily. I did add a dash of cayenne during the final 5 minutes of cooking. Thanks for posting this.
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I sure do love a good burguer and I sure did click on this because it said “bacon”. What can I say? I’m a girl of simple taste x)