What Can I Do with 20 Leftover Onions?

Having 20 leftover onions gives you plenty of options! Here are some creative ideas for using them up and keeping your kitchen stocked with versatile ingredients.

1. Soups and Stews

Onions are a base for many soups and stews. Consider making French onion soup or a hearty vegetable stew. These dishes are not only flavorful but also convert leftover onions into a hearty meal.

2. Caramelized Onions

Slowly caramelize onions to use as a topping for burgers, pizzas, or to mix into dips. They can also enhance the flavor of many dishes. Here's a quick recipe for caramelized onions:

Dice or slice the onions. Lightly fry in a little oil. Cool and freeze in small portions for casseroles or gravies later. Slice and fry in butter until soft. Add a tiny bit of oil to prevent burning. Add some thick brown sugar and a little salt. Stir with a wooden spoon over low heat until melted and caramelized. Serve this on a cheese platter or as an antipasto. Grill them as a side dish or as a topping for steaks and burgers. Use them to make delicious vegetables broths which can be used in future soups and dishes.

3. Pickled Onions

Quick-pickling onions can add a zesty flavor to sandwiches, tacos, and salads. Here’s how you can pickle them:

Store leftover halved onions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in a zipper-lock bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. Pickle them by following a simple recipe and ensure they have a very long shelf life if stored as per directions. Dice and freeze onions for later use in casseroles or gravies. Make a sweet onion jam to pair with cheeses or meats. Chevy onions on a cheese platter or antipasto platter.

4. Onion Rings

Making a batch of onion rings as a snack or side dish is a fun idea. Here's how:

Clean and slice the onions thinly. Coat the onions in a batter mixture of flour, baking powder, and salt. Deep-fry the onion rings until golden and crispy. Enjoy them with your favorite dip.

5. Fried Rice or Stir-Fries

Use onions as a key ingredient in fried rice or stir-fry dishes. They add depth and flavor to the meal.

6. Casseroles

Incorporate onions into casseroles for added flavor. This is a great way to use up leftover onions without sacrificing flavor.

7. Freezing

Chilling onions in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes usually helps with the teary eyes. This is a helpful tip when you're preparing onions!

8. Onion Jam

Make a sweet onion jam to pair with cheeses or meats. This is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a spread.

9. Grilled Onions

Grill onions as a side dish or as a topping for steaks and burgers. This adds a smoky flavor and texture to your meal.

10. Vegetable Broth

Use onions to make a flavorful vegetable broth which can be used in future soups and dishes. This is a great way to stock up your pantry with homemade broth.

11. Garnishes

Use raw onions as a garnish for salads, tacos, and other dishes. This adds a fresh and crisp texture to your meals.

12. Onion-Based Sauces

Create sauces like onion gravy or onion-based pasta sauces. These add a rich and savory flavor to your dishes.

With a bit of creativity, you can incorporate onions into a variety of meals and preserve them for future use! Whether you're pickling, frying, or freezing, there are numerous ways to make the most of your leftover onions.