Skip to content
Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
  • DIYExpand
    • Clean Quickly
    • Clever Hacks With Household Items
    • Crafts & Projects
    • Home Improvement
  • Money MattersExpand
    • Make More Money
    • Spend Less Money
    • Manage Money Better
    • Reviews & Recommendations
    • Get Free Stuff
  • Eat WellExpand
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Food Talk
  • Live LifeExpand
    • Health & Beauty
    • Cloth Diapering
    • Family And Relationships
    • Holidays & Gifts
  • Travel TipsExpand
    • Destinations
    • Attractions
    • Travel Hacks
  • About
  • Subscribe
Cha ching queen living a big life on a little budget.
ByErin Updated onJune 10, 2024 Reading Time: 6 minutes
Home » Eat » Stop! Don’t Throw Onions Away! 21 Ideas If You Have Too Many Onions

Stop! Don’t Throw Onions Away! 21 Ideas If You Have Too Many Onions

This post may contain affiliate links. Read the disclosure.

Share with your friends!
FacebookPinterestMessengerWhatsAppEmailShareFlipboardRedditSMSX

Sometimes I find myself with too many onions. I’ll buy a bag of onions for one recipe, but then I am left with more onions than I know what to do with. What can I do with extra onions?

Before we dive in, let me tell you a little something about myself. My dad worked in the produce section of a grocery store his entire life, and it instilled in me an appreciation for produce and a disdain for waste.

To this day, I hate seeing food go to waste. It’s not just about money; it’s about respecting the effort and resources that went into growing that food.

So, let’s talk onions. Here are 21 creative and practical ideas on how to utilize those extra onions. Hopefully, they inspire you to see these humble bulbs in a new light!

What to do with too many onions
What to do with too many onions

Table of Contents

  • French Onion Soup
  • Caramelized Onions
  • Pickled Onions
  • Onion Rings
  • Grilled Onions
  • Onion Jam
  • Onion Bread
  • Onion Quiche
  • Onion Chutney
  • Onion Powder
  • Onion Relish
  • Stuffed Onions
  • Onion Bhaji
  • Onion Omelette
  • Baked Onions
  • Onion Skewers
  • Onion Dip
  • Onion Salad
  • Onion Frittata
  • Onion Curry
  • Onion Sauce
  • How To Make Delicious Onion Soup
  • A Surplus of Onions: How Long Do Onions Last?
  • Storing Onions: How To Make Onions Last Longer
  • Is My Onion Still Good?: Identifying Spoilage
  • Don’t Throw Away Onions
  • Next Up From ChaChingQueen

French Onion Soup

A classic French dish that’s hearty and comforting. All you need besides onions are beef broth, thyme, bay leaves, and toasted bread with melted cheese on top.

French Onion Soup

Caramelized Onions

Slowly cook your onions until they become sweet. Use them as a topping for burgers, pizzas, or salads. See our recipe: How To Caramelize An Onion Recipe: The Art Of Caramelizing Onions

Caramelized Onions
Caramelized Onions

Pickled Onions

Combine vinegar, sugar, and salt in a jar, add thinly sliced onions, and let sit for a few hours. These make a tangy addition to sandwiches or tacos.

Onion Rings

Slice your onions into rings, dip in batter, and deep fry until golden. Perfect as a snack or side dish.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Austin Texas tower of onion rings austin food blogger

Grilled Onions

Slice onions, brush with olive oil, and grill until charred. They’re a great accompaniment to grilled meats.

Onion Jam

Cook down onions with sugar and vinegar until they turn into a sweet, sticky jam. Fantastic spread on crackers or toast.

Onion Bread

Add finely chopped onions to your favorite bread recipe for an extra flavor boost.

Related:

  • Last Minute Sprite Bread Recipe. Beer Bread Without Beer
  • Easy French Bread Recipe: Only 5 Ingredients! Low Knead
  • Dairy Free, Gluten Free Cloud Bread Recipe

Onion Quiche

Mix onions with eggs, cream, and cheese, then bake in a pastry shell. Ideal for breakfast or brunch.

Onion Chutney

Simmer onions with sugar, vinegar, and spices until thickened. It pairs well with cheese or cold meats.

Onion Powder

If you have too many onions, turn them into onion powder! Dry out your onions, grind them into a powder, and use it as a seasoning.

Onion Relish

Similar to chutney but with a chunkier texture. Onion relish is wonderful on hot dogs or sausages.

Stuffed Onions

Hollow out onions, stuff with a filling of your choice, and bake.

Onion Bhaji

This Indian snack involves mixing sliced onions with a spicy batter and frying until crispy.

Onion Omelette

Simply add diced onions to your omelette for a tasty breakfast.

Baked Onions

Bake whole onions in the oven until soft and sweet. Serve as a side dish.

Onion Skewers

Thread onion chunks onto skewers and grill. They’re a great addition to any barbecue.

Onion Dip

Blend cooked onions with sour cream and seasonings for a delicious dip. We have a great french onion dip: French Onion Dip Recipe – A Tasty Use Of Extra Onions

Homemade French Onion Dip
Homemade French Onion Dip

Onion Salad

Slice onions thinly, then toss with other vegetables and a vinaigrette.

Onion Frittata

Like an omelette but thicker and baked in the oven.

Onion Curry

Onions are the star in this flavorful Indian dish. Onion curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is both simple to make and incredibly satisfying to eat.

This culinary delight is the perfect blend of spices, herbs, and beautifully caramelized onions, all cooked together to create a rich and hearty curry.

Not only is it delicious, but making onion curry is also an excellent way to utilize a surplus of onions you might have on hand.

Onion Sauce

If you have too many onions, just make onion sauce. Blend cooked onions until smooth, then add cream and seasonings. This sauce is perfect over pasta or meat.

How To Make Delicious Onion Soup

Ingredients:

  • 4 to 6 large red, yellow, or vidalia onions
  • 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Beef broth or beef stock (amount may vary based on the desired soup consistency)
  • Optional: wine, brandy, cheese, and bread for serving

Instructions:

  1. Thinly slice the onions.
  2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced onions to the pot. Sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of kosher salt.
  4. Cook the onions, stirring regularly, until they are caramelized. This can take up to 30 minutes.
  5. Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef broth or stock. The amount will depend on how brothy you want your soup to be.
  6. Let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  7. Optional: If desired, serve the soup with a slice of crusty bread topped with melted cheese.

There are many variations of this dish, especially the French version which often includes wine and brandy, and is served gratinéed with cheese and bread.

A Surplus of Onions: How Long Do Onions Last?

When it comes to onions, the first thing you need to know is how long they can last. The shelf life of onions depends on a few factors such as their variety, storage method, and temperature.

Generally, whole onions can last up to two months when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place. However, once chopped, onions should be consumed within a week if refrigerated.

Storing Onions: How To Make Onions Last Longer

My dad was a produce man all his life. He has told us so many times that we should store food the same way a grocery store does. No one wants to throw away food less than a grocery store.

The key to making your onions last longer is proper storage. For whole onions, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from other produce.

A pantry or basement is often a good choice. As for chopped onions, they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Is My Onion Still Good?: Identifying Spoilage

Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether an onion has gone bad just by looking at it. Signs of spoilage include mold, a soft or squishy texture, a strong off-putting odor, or discoloration.

If your onion exhibits any of these signs, it’s best to discard it.

Don’t Throw Away Onions

So there you have it, 21 ways to use those extra onions! Even if you don’t have extra onions lying around, these ideas can inspire you to incorporate more of this versatile vegetable into your meals.

Every onion used is an onion saved from waste. Let’s honor our food and the hard work that goes into producing it by making sure nothing goes to waste.

Next Up From ChaChingQueen

  • The Art of Frugal Food Shopping: How To Save On Groceries
  • How To Caramelize An Onion Recipe: The Art Of Caramelizing Onions
  • Stop! Don’t Throw Bananas Away! 21 Ripe Bananas Recipes
  • Easy Tortilla Soup Made With Leftovers – Recipe
  • 12 Kitchen Hacks That Reduce Food And Financial Waste Story

Trending Now

How Often Should You Clean Your House: Woman Cleaning Oven

How Often Should You Clean Your House? Room By Room Tips

Woman Doing Laundry Using Earth Breeze Laundry Sheets

Earth Breeze Review: Dehydrated Laundry Sheets

amazon prime box

My Secrets: How To Get Amazon Coupons, Discount Codes, Promo Codes, Free Stuff, and Deals

Text reads: "18 DIY Homemade Household Products you can easily make at home" in colorful handwritten-style font on a dark background.

18+ DIY Household Products You Can Make at Home

Amazon Gift Card

How To Save On Amazon Prime Membership + Prime Benefits

What To Teach Kids About Money

What To Teach Kids About Money: An Expert Weighs In

As Seen On
bloomberg logo
business insider logo
msn logo
usa today logo
family handy man logo
yahoo finance logo

  • Home
  • About
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Disclosure and Terms of Service
  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Web Stories
Email Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest

© 2025

ChaChingQueen does not provide individual or customized medical, legal, or financial advice. Since each individual's situation is unique, a qualified professional should be consulted about your specific situation before making financial and/or medical decisions.

Cha Ching Queen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

  • DIY
    • Clean Quickly
    • Clever Hacks With Household Items
    • Crafts & Projects
    • Home Improvement
  • Money Matters
    • Make More Money
    • Spend Less Money
    • Manage Money Better
    • Reviews & Recommendations
    • Get Free Stuff
  • Eat Well
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch & Dinner
    • Appetizers, Sides, & Snacks
    • Desserts
    • Food Talk
  • Live Life
    • Health & Beauty
    • Cloth Diapering
    • Family And Relationships
    • Holidays & Gifts
  • Travel Tips
    • Destinations
    • Attractions
    • Travel Hacks
  • About
  • Subscribe
Facebook X Instagram
Search
Share to
BufferCopyEmailFacebookFlipboardHacker NewsLineLinkedInMessengerMixPinterestPocketPrintRedditSMSSubscribeTelegramTumblrXVKWhatsAppXingYummly