Published on June 21, 2025

It's common to only need a portion of an onion for a recipe. You might have even grabbed a large onion at the store when you only needed a small. But what should you do with the leftovers to keep them from drying out or stinking up your fridge?

Proper storage not only helps reduce unwanted odors and waste, but also preserves the flavor and texture of your leftover onion so it's ready to use when you need it. No matter what type of onion you have on hand, here's how to store it the right way.

To keep your leftover onion as fresh as possible, keep these storage tips in mind:

If you don't plan to use the remaining onion within a few days, freezing can be a good option. To freeze onions:

Freezing is best when using your onions for cooked dishes like soups, stews, sautés, or stir-fries, as the texture will soften after thawing.

Compared to whole onions, which can last for months if stored in a cool, dry place, cut onions have a shorter life. Stored in the refrigerator, cut onions will last for 7 to 10 days if stored properly, or frozen for up to six months. But if you notice your onions have developed a sour smell, slimy texture, or mold, it's best to discard them right away.

Most types of onions will have similar storage times, including red, yellow, and white onions. Sweet varieties are the exception—sweet onions like Vidalias have a higher moisture content and may spoil faster. Keep an eye on the onions and use them as soon as you can for the freshest flavor and texture.

When storing cut onions, it's important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to spoilage or even health risks:

From frittatas and dips, to soups and more, there are plenty of ways to make good use of those leftover onions. Here are some of our favorites: