When it comes to versatile condiments, onion confit—or onion jam—might be king of them all. It has a rich, caramelized flavor with a little sweetness that’s the perfect addition to just about anything you can dream up, from charcuterie boards to simple toast.
But what exactly is onion confit, and how does it differ from other spreads like jams? What are some ways to use it? Read on for answers as well as an easy recipe!
What Is Onion Confit?
“Confit” most commonly refers to food slow-cooked in fat (think “duck confit). A confit made with fruit is typically made with whole fruits that are suspended in a sweet syrup. Onion confit is more like a savory-sweet jam that’s an incredible addition to any charcuterie board, as it pairs so well with different charcuterie meats and cheeses.
The word “jam” might make you think of fruit preserves, but onion jam skips the fruit in favor of onions slow-cooked with sugar, vinegar, and sometimes wine or herbs. The result is a deeply flavorful spread that’s less sugary than traditional fruit jams, making it a perfect charcuterie board accoutrement.
The Best Onions for Onion Confit
With the exception of white onions, whatever onions you’ve got on hand right now in your pantry, will work just fine!
- Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are excellent choices because of their natural sugars, which caramelize beautifully.
- Using red onions adds a lot of color to a charcuterie board, and is the type that we most commonly use.
- Yellow onions are a solid choice as well.
- Avoid using white onions, as they tend to lack the sweetness needed for a rich confit.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing varieties! For example, try combining sweet and red onions to see which version you enjoy best.
The Importance of Slicing Your Onions Correctly
Cutting your onions from root-to-tip will prevent them from breaking down too much during the cooking process. This will result in onions that hold their shape much better.
Thin, even slices about 1/8-inch thick will ensure the onions cook down evenly and develop the perfect jammy texture. I prefer using a mandoline for more consistent results, especially if I’m making a large batch.
If you slice your onions too thick, they may take longer to soften. But overly thin slices can burn easily, which you don’t want since it can alter the flavor of your onion confit. Take your time with this step; it’s worth the effort for that perfect, silky texture.
How to Make Onion Confit
Ingredients
- onions
- butter
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- brown sugar (use Swerve or another brown sugar substitute for the keto diet)
- balsamic vinegar
- dry red wine
- fresh or dried thyme
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions about 1/8-inch thick. It’s important to try to keep them the same size, so using a mandoline is recommended.
- Heat the olive oil or melt the butter over low heat in a large skillet.
- Add the sliced onions to the pan and toss to coat them in the oil or butter. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the onions are soft and golden brown.
- Stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and red wine. Continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Stir in the thyme.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the onion confit cool. Transfer it to clean jars and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
10 Delicious Ways to Use Onion Confit
If you happen to have a partial jar left in your refrigerator and want to try something new, here are a few ways that we suggest using it:
- Charcuterie Boards: Pair it with cheeses like Brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. Or really any cheese that you have on hand – it’s fun to experiment! Check out our list of all the best cheeses for a charcuterie board to get some ideas.
- Sandwiches: It’s incredible when added to grilled cheese or paninis.
- Burgers: We can’t stress enough how good it is on a burger. It’s even better if you add a nice slice of blue cheese.
- Pizzas: Dollop it onto a white pizza or flatbread.
- Appetizers: If you don’t want to do a full-blown charcuterie board, try baking a small wheel of brie, top it with a large spoonful of onion confit, and serve.
- Salad Topping: Add a spoonful to salads, especially with arugula or spinach.
- Roasted meats and/or vegetables: Roast a peppercorn pork tenderloin and top it with warmed onion jam. Incredible!
- Tarts: Incorporate it into savory tarts with puff pastry and goat cheese.
- Egg Dishes: Mix it into scrambled eggs or use it to top an omelet.
- Potatoes: Roasted or mashed – try it, you’ll love it.
Onion confit is one of those easy recipes that every home cook should have in their arsenal. It can turn a “meh” meal into something incredible with little effort. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen!
Onion Confit
Onion confit (or onion jam) is a wonderful addition to any charcuterie board. It's also incredible on a burger!
Ingredients
- 4 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup dry red wine
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
Instructions
- Peel and slice the onions about 1/8-inch thick. It's important to try to keep them the same size, so using a mandoline is recommended.
- Heat the olive oil or melt the butter over low heat in a large skillet.
- Add the sliced onions to the pan and toss to coat them in the oil or butter. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 minutes, or until the onions are soft and golden brown.
- Stir in the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and red wine. Continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
- Stir in the thyme.
- Remove the pan from the heat and let the onion confit cool. Transfer it to clean jars and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 51Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 100mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 1g
The nutrition information is HIGHLY estimated. For more accurate information, we suggest using an online nutrition calculator and entering the exact amounts you use for your particular board.
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