17 onion recipes

Onions are endlessly versatile and an essential ingredient in countless recipes. Varieties of onion differ in size, strength and colour. The yellow onion is the most commonly known variety – it has pale golden skin, greenish-white flesh and a strong taste. Red onions are an attractive, milder alternative to the yellow onion with their shiny purple skin and red-tinged flesh.

Are onions good for you?

• They are nutrient-packed and contain potent plant compounds that may promote digestive health.
• Onions support immune function and contribute to heart health.
• They are rich in plant compounds, including flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
• Onions contain sulphur-containing compounds, which have been shown to be protective against certain cancers.
• For most individuals, onions are a healthy addition to a balanced diet, though those diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may need to consume them with caution.

How long do onions last?

Whole, uncut onions should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place to maximise lifespan. When stored properly, they can last for several weeks or even months. Spring onions, also known as scallions, don't last as long as dry onions. They should be stored in a perforated bag in the fridge and used within four to five days.

Can you freeze onions?

You can freeze onions. Chop them how you would like and store them in a freezer-safe bag.

Best onion recipes

French onion soup

Our easy soup recipe is the ultimate way to celebrate the flavour of onions. This deeply beefy onion soup is topped with bubbling cheese melts, perfect for a cold evening.

Onion bhajis

Use up three large onions with our easy recipe. Who doesn’t love an onion bhaji alongside a curry? Make your own healthier version, with this recipe from The Curry Guy, Dan Toombs.

Vegetarian French onion soup

Sweet and sticky caramelised onions perfectly match Marmite in this veggie version of a classic French onion soup, finished with cheesy Marmite toppers.

Melting cheese and onion pie

Try our seriously indulgent cheese and onion pie. This easy vegetarian bake is the perfect comfort recipe to feed the whole family.

Onion gravy

Check out our recipe for easy, flavour-packed onion gravy, perfect with bangers and mash, Sunday lunch or pies.

Caramelised onion, spinach and mushroom lasagne

Go meat-free for dinner with this flavour-packed lasagne. The recipe makes six portions, so you can feed a crowd or batch it up for the freezer.

Onion rings

Celebrate onions with this unique twist on a classic pub snack. Pickle your red onion rings then coat in a beer batter and fry to crispy perfection.

Smashed falafel platter with pink pickled onions

Using ready-made falafel, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for effortless entertaining. The quick-pickled onions add a touch of colour.

Argentinian cheese and onion empanadas

These golden empanadas have a British twist with an aged cheddar cheese and slow-cooked onion filling. This recipe comes from Soho restaurant, Sucre.

Sage and onion stuffing

Make your own classic sage and onion stuffing balls for a special occasion, or serve them alongside a Sunday roast. Add plenty of ground mace and sage for extra flavour.

Golden onion and spring veg pilaf

Add plenty of colour midweek with this nourishing vegetarian one-pot packed with plenty of greens.

Sausages with apple and onion gravy

Apple wedges and caramelised onions add pleasing fruity sweetness to the deep savouriness of sausages and gravy in this simple supper.

Warm aubergine, pomegranate and onion salad

Salad in a slow cooker? Once you’ve seen how easy it is to get squishy, soft onions without slaving over a griddle or risking tong burns over an open flame, you’ll make this again and again.

Baked onions with cheesy breadcrumbs

A delicious side to a Sunday roast, or perfect with sausages for a midweek dinner. A real treat of a recipe, perfect for when you need a little extra comfort.

Charred onions with balsamic, walnuts and ricotta

Brush sweet onions in a balsamic honey glaze, bake until tender and serve with dollops of creamy ricotta for an easy veggie side.

Sticky sausage baps with beer-braised onions

Everyone loves those little sticky cocktail sausages you get at parties – so here is a super-size version in a soft bap. Top with caramelised beer-braised onions to take them to the next level.

Air-fryer onion bhajis

There’s no need to spend time deep-frying these bhajis when you can cook them in the air-fryer in just 15 minutes.