Make Use of Basic White and Yellow Onions in These Savory Recipes
Onions shine in these appetizers, side dishes, and main courses, too.
Onions are bulbs that are closely related to garlic, leeks, shallots, scallions, and chives. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes, but the most common types include red, yellow (also known as Spanish), and white onions. While each type deserves to be used as an ingredient in your cooking, we're shining a spotlight on just two varieties here: yellow and white onions.
Some of our recipes will specifically call for one or the other, such as Martha's Favorite Onion Rings, which are pictured here. In this recipe, thick slices of yellow onions are coated in a beer batter and deep-fried until crisp. On the other hand, some recipes will just call for an onion of any variety, in which case you can use yellow or white, depending on what you have on hand. 'Yellow Globes,' the most popular variety in the United States, are available year-round and are the type that you're most likely to find in the grocery store. Choose full, heavy onions with tight, flaky skins and avoid any that have soft spots or spongy skins. If stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, onions will keep for a month or so.
One of the most quintessential recipes is onion soup. Our recipe calls for three pounds of sweet Vidalia onions, which cook low and slow in extra-virgin olive oil until they break down to a soft texture and become a golden brown color. This cooking method is known as caramelizing, and you'll find many other fabulous recipes that use caramelized onions in our collection. They're sweet and savory all in one bite and will instantly cause any allium skeptic to fall totally head over heels in love.
Ready to cook? Our white and yellow onion recipes are so delicious and are worth any tears that you may shed while cutting and slicing them in the kitchen.
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French Onion Soup
This French bistro classic calls for three pounds of sweet Vidalia onions, which break down and become caramelized for this soup recipe.
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Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Batter up! For the ultimate bar snack, make this onion recipe, which calls for two large white onions sliced into thick rings. They're coated in a light buttermilk and beer batter before being deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
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Creamy Corn-and-Onion Dip
Onions—yellow or white will work here—are diced and sautéed until sweet and caramelized for this light corn and yogurt dip. Serve with chips and crudités on the side.
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Instant Pot Caramelized Onions
Whether you serve them as a unique burger topping or fold them into omelets, caramelized onions are always delicious. Here, we've cooked them in the ever-popular, family-friendly multi-cooker, which keeps their strong aroma locked in.
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Onion-and-Leek Focaccia
Sliced caramelized onions are incorporated into the dough for this gorgeous golden focaccia. The top is dressed up with fresh chives and rosemary before baking.
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Pickled Beets and Onion
Thinly sliced yellow onions are folded into this simple salad that also features golden beets. The two ingredients are pickled with a combination of apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seeds, whole peppercorns, coriander seeds, and a pinch of turmeric.
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Labneh Dip with Caramelized Onions and Fennel
In this creative twist on onion dip, chopped sweet onions and fennel are caramelized until golden brown, softened, and sweet. Once cooked, they're folded into a mixture of strained yogurt, dry sherry, and Worcestershire sauce for a decadent bite.
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Roasted-Parsnip Soup with Chorizo
Cozy up with a bowl of this comforting soup made with roasted parsnips and onions. Once cooked, they're blended with chicken broth until smooth and then topped with sautéed chorizo and a drizzle of chile oil.
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Freekeh with Roasted Butternut Squash, Seared Kale, and Caramelized Onion Jam
Freekeh, which is a nutty type of wheat berry, serves as the base for this hearty grain salad. It's combined with our homemade onion jam before it's topped with roasted squash and seared kale for a hearty, autumnal bite.
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Caramelized Onion and Bacon Dip
A combination of mayonnaise and sour cream bring an over-the-top creaminess to this super decadent dip. Caramelized onions and chopped crispy bacon are folded into the dip for a crowd-pleasing scoop.
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Seared Strip Steaks with Braised Peppers and Onion
This recipe gives a whole new meaning to peppers and onions. The classic vegetable combination is served alongside juicy seared strip steaks for an elevated dinner for four.
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Coal-Roasted Vegetables
Celebrate summer with this side dish recipe that's ideal for al fresco dining. Large carrots, red bell peppers, golden beets, and sweet onions are cooked over direct heat on a grill, which imparts them with a charred exterior and smoky flavor.
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Summer Smoked-Salmon Chowder
This riff on classic New England clam chowder is a lighter, brighter version that's made with smoked salmon, baby red potatoes, fresh corn kernels, zucchini, and onions. It's the ultimate taste of summer.
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Grilled Balsamic Flank Steak with Peppers and Onions
When you're dining outdoors, there's no better main course to serve than this all-in-one grilled steak dish. The steak marinates with sweet onions and colorful bell peppers in a punchy sauce made from balsamic vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Then, everything is grilled together for a fabulous meal.
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Coconut-Curry Monkfish Soup
Thinly sliced onions float alongside red bell peppers, monkfish fillets, and chile peppers in this comforting fish soup recipe.