13 Recipes for White Onions

From side dishes with jammy, soft onions to spicy, fresh salsas and hearty burgers, these recipes for white onions offer easy ideas for the crisp, savory allium.

White onions may not always get the spotlight, but their savory taste, crisp bite and bright color make them one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. In this collection of recipes for white onions, you’ll find plenty of ways to let this pantry staple shine, from fresh salads and salsas to slow-cooked creations.

We chose recipes that showcase the different flavors white onions can bring to a dish, from bold and sharp to mild and mellow. You’ll find comforting classics like mashed potatoes and burgers with onion-forward twists, as well as creamy or pickled side dishes to use in any number of ways. These recipes use both small and large quantities of white onions, so they’re perfect for using up a half onion in the fridge or a large bag before it has the chance to sprout.

Since white onions are especially delicious raw, they are great for topping quick weeknight dinners like tacos, nachos or grain bowls. If your favorite comfort food recipe calls for yellow onions, try it with white onions and see which version you prefer. These white onion food ideas make it easy to see why the bright allium deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen.

1/13

Onion Pie

Total Time:50 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My grandmother and mother always make onion pie during the holidays, but it's good any time. This is a savory side dish that you can serve with almost any meat or main course. It's especially good with roast beef. —Mary West, Marstons Mills, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 170 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 176mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
2/13

Minty Peas and Onions

Total Time:20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mother could always rely on peas and onions when she was in a hurry and needed a quick side dish. Besides being easy to prepare, this dish was loved by everyone in our family. It was handed down to my mother by my grandmother. —Santa D’Addario, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 134 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
3/13

Oklahoma Onion Burger

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Oklahoma onion burgers are a type of smash burger that came about in the Great Depression. Smothered in golden brown onions and topped with American cheese, they're fast, easy and delicious. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger: 369 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
4/13

Cheesy Onion Chicken Skillet

Total Time:20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My zesty chicken with peppers and onions is so versatile that it works when you serve it over rice, potatoes or noodles, or even on a hoagie bun. —Kim Johnson, Sibley, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 293 calories, 17g fat (8g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
5/13

Grilled Potato Fans with Onions

Total Time:55 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Looking for the ultimate grilled potato? These seasoned potato fans are filled with tender onions, roasted garlic cloves and savory Parmesan cheese. —Sharon Crabtree, Graham, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 potato: 302 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 195mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
6/13

Four-Tomato Salsa

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:56 (14 cups)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so good. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it's hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It's a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 15 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
7/13

Texas Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These creamy potatoes get their flavor burst from garlic and caramelized onions. Their savory goodness makes any meal better. —Richard Markle, Midlothian, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 236 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
8/13

Burgers with Spicy Dill Salsa

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:12 (3 cups salsa)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I make burgers or hot dogs for boating or barbecues, I do a take-along topping that tastes like relish meets salsa. Pile it on anything! —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 burger with 1/4 cup salsa: 371 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
9/13

Creamy Sweet Onions

Contest Winner
Total Time:10 min
Servings:4 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Well-coated with a tangy sour cream and celery seed dressing, these sweet-sour onions can sure dress up a juicy burger. My sister likes to serve them as a side salad when our family gets together in summer up at the lake. —Ethel Lowey, Fort Frances, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 89 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/13

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Chunks of cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro and avocado combine with shrimp in a tomato base sauce to create this refreshing shrimp cocktail that's bursting with flavors. You'll even get a little heat from the Tobasco sauce. Serve it with saltine crackers to compliment the sweet tomato flavors. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 105 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
11/13

Six-Bean Chili

Total Time:26 min
Servings:14 (about 3-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When it's cold and frosty outside, this meatless chili is sure to warm you up. It's packed with fiber, protein and flavor. Serve it with sliced avocado, or add shredded cheese, corn tortilla chips or a side of your favorite cornbread. —Liz Bellville, Tonasket, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 196 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 658mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.
12/13

Cranberry-Apple Red Cabbage

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 131 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 295mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
13/13

Pickled Slaw

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Think of slaw as a side for all entrees and for all seasons, but especially summer. Fix this recipe ahead, and don’t forget to use your food processor for even easier prep. —Nancy Brown, Janesville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 238 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 325mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.

Recipes for White Onions FAQ

What can I make with white onions?

White onions are delicious raw or cooked, so you can make easy white onion dishes like spicy salsas, creamy casseroles, or buttery caramelized onions to top burgers and sandwiches. A white onion’s sharp yet slightly sweet flavor makes it perfect for any of your favorite onion recipes, like tangy onion dip or crunchy onion rings. If using the onions raw, soften their intensity by briefly soaking them in ice water, then draining and patting them dry.

How do I cook white onions to enhance their flavor?

To get the most out of cooking with white onions, either cook them low and slow to bring out their natural sweetness or cook them quickly over very high heat to add char and keep a crisp-tender texture. For something different, roast thick slices until browned at the edges, or braise them whole in broth and herbs for a rich, almost velvety texture. Each preparation enhances the flavor of white onions in a different way.

How do I store white onions to keep them fresh?

Store whole white onions in a cool, dry area in your kitchen or pantry. Once cut, wrap leftover onion pieces tightly in storage wrap or an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to a week. If you find yourself with extras, dice and freeze them in small portions to easily add to soups or stir-fries later. Avoid keeping onions in sealed boxes or bags at room temperature, as this traps moisture and causes them to rot faster.