Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for cipollini onions
Best swap for cipollini onions: Pearl onions, 1:1 by weight; roast/braise the same way.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Cipollini Onions?
The best swap for Cipollini Onions is Pearl Onions, 1:1 by weight; roast/braise the same way. Another option is Shallots, 1:1; slightly more pungent, halve if large. A third option is Small Yellow Onions, quarter them; less sweet, longer cook time. All 3 swaps are in the table below.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Pearl onions | 1:1 by weight; roast/braise the same way |
| Shallots | 1:1; slightly more pungent, halve if large |
| Small yellow onions | quarter them; less sweet, longer cook time How to use it: Use the same weight as the cipollini the recipe calls for. |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.