Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for pearl onions
Best swap for pearl onions: Frozen pearl onions, pre-blanched and peeled; skip the blanching step.
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 Pearl Onions?
The best swap for Pearl Onions is Frozen Pearl Onions, pre-blanched and peeled; skip the blanching step. Another option is Shallots, quarter large shallots; similar mild sweetness. The table below also lists Cipollini Onions and Boiling Onions, 4 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Frozen pearl onions | pre-blanched and peeled; skip the blanching step How to use it: Use the same weight. |
| Shallots | quarter large shallots; similar mild sweetness How to use it: Use the same weight. |
| Cipollini onions | 1:1; sweeter and slightly larger, halve if needed |
| Boiling onions | 1:1; slightly larger pearl onion variety |
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.