National Onion Day (June 27)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on
Assorted onions including leeks, shallots, red, white, and yellow onions arranged on a wooden surface with a blue checkered cloth.

Few kitchen staples are as essential, or as tear-inducing, as the onion. Whether it’s chopped raw into salads or slowly caramelized into something sweet and savory, onions show up in nearly every cuisine.

National Onion Day honors this layered ingredient, celebrating its role in culture, cuisine, and history.

From humble soups to bold chutneys, there’s no shortage of ways to highlight onions. This celebration takes place among the many weird holidays in June.

Wicker basket filled with shiny yellow onions on a rustic table, with more onions and a knife nearby.

When is the Holiday?

National Onion Day is celebrated annually on June 27th.

Who Invented It?

The holiday was founded by the National Onion Association, a U.S. organization that advocates for onion farmers and promotes the vegetable’s culinary and health benefits.

Bunch of fresh green spring onions with white bulbs laid out on a neutral countertop background.

The History of the Holiday

Though onions have been cultivated for over 5,000 years, the holiday is a modern invention, launched in 2019.

The date coincides with the anniversary of the National Onion Association’s founding in 1913.

This observance helps recognize the importance of onions in agriculture, especially in U.S. farming, and promotes public awareness of how integral this vegetable is to everyday cooking.

Bowl of yogurt salad topped with red onion slices, herbs, and diced tomatoes, with more bowls in background.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. Onions are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, with ancient uses in Egypt, Rome, and China.
  2. The average American eats around 20 pounds of onions per year.
  3. National Onion Day encourages support for local growers and markets.
  4. The sulfur in onions, responsible for the tears, also gives them their health benefits.
  5. Sweet onion varieties, like Vidalia, are often featured in special recipes for the day.
Finely chopped white onions on a wooden cutting board with a bright blue knife next to them.

Activities to Celebrate

  • Host a recipe challenge with friends or family featuring caramelized onions, soups, or dips.
  • Visit a farmers market to find locally grown varieties and learn about onion farming.
  • Try a new cooking method—grilled, roasted, pickled, or even jammed.
  • Teach kids to grow onions in pots or small garden beds.
  • Experiment with global dishes, like Indian onion bhaji or French onion soup.
Hands pressing a small onion bulb into soil, representing the gardening process of growing onions at home.

Related Recipes for the Holiday

French Onion Soup – A rich, savory broth made by slowly caramelizing onions and simmering them with beef stock, then topping with crusty bread and melted Gruyère cheese. A comforting classic.

Onion Bhaji (Onion Fritters) – Thinly sliced onions mixed with chickpea flour and spices, then deep-fried until crispy. A popular Indian street food often served with chutneys or yogurt sauce.

Southern Fried Onion Rings – Sliced thick and dipped in seasoned batter, then deep-fried to golden perfection. Great as a snack, appetizer, or burger topper.

Caramelized Onion Dip – Sweet, deeply browned onions folded into a creamy blend of sour cream and mayo. Best served chilled with chips or veggies.

Pickled Red Onions – Thin red onion slices soaked in vinegar, sugar, and salt for a crunchy, tangy topping perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or salads.

Glass jar of pickled red onions resting on a blue napkin with a metal fork beside it on a sunlit table.

Onion Tart (Zwiebelkuchen) – A savory German-style pie made with sautéed onions, eggs, and sour cream baked into a flaky crust. Often flavored with caraway seeds or bacon.

Onion Gravy – Slow-cooked onions blended into a rich, brown gravy—ideal for mashed potatoes, meatloaf, or bangers and mash.

Stuffed Onions – Whole onions hollowed out and filled with a savory mix of breadcrumbs, herbs, and sausage or lentils, then baked until tender.

Onion Strings – Ultra-thin onion slices soaked in buttermilk, tossed in flour, and fried until crispy. Perfect for stacking on burgers or snacking solo.

Glazed Cipollini Onions – These small, sweet Italian onions are simmered with butter, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs until tender and glossy. A gourmet side dish.

Close-up of vibrant pink onions with dry roots in a dark bowl on a rustic wooden surface and woven cloth.

Related Holidays

  • National Garlic Day (April 19) – Garlic and onions are often paired together in recipes, building the foundation for savory dishes across cultures. This day celebrates their shared culinary legacy.
  • National Cheese Day (June 4) – Cheese and onions are a perfect match, whether in French onion soup, cheesy onion casseroles, or savory tarts. A great lead-in to onion-rich recipes.
  • National Onion Rings Day (June 22) – Just five days before, this holiday highlights one of the most beloved crispy snacks featuring onions.
  • National Chili Dog Day (Last Thursday in July) – A classic chili dog isn’t complete without a generous spoonful of chopped onions on top—raw, grilled, or pickled.
  • National Herb Day (First Saturday in May) – Many onion dishes are enhanced by fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley. This holiday complements the flavor-building role onions play in herbaceous recipes.

Pin it!

Share this post about National Onion Day on Pinterest!

Basket of red, white, and green onions with a knife on a wooden table celebrating National Onion Day June 27.