How to Store Potatoes and Onions the Right Way
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
You might not know that storing 'em together can be bad news!
You know that spuds should never be kept in the refrigerator. But it’s easy to think that potatoes and onions should be stored together in the pantry. Here’s the truth—storing them together might not be the best idea.
Can I Store Potatoes and Onions Together?
Sure, spuds and bulbs are tasty when combined together in meals (like this hearty roasted red potato salad or this creamy potato chowder). But they should actually be stored far away from one another.
Why? Your onions produce and emit ethylene gas, which speeds up the ripening process and can cause nearby potatoes to rot and spoil more quickly. (However, garlic, another root bulb, can be safely stored alongside onions with no scary side effects.)
How to Store Potatoes
Your potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. Use a storage container that is well-ventilated, such as a crate, a cardboard box with holes punched in it or any container that will allow any excess moisture to evaporate. Keep the container covered to block light and prevent your spuds from spouting.
Here’s a look at what types of potato are best for all sorts of recipes.
How to Store Onions
Onions should also be kept in a ventilated space, such as your countertop. You can keep them in a paper bag or even a wire basket. It isn’t necessary to store onions in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature will quickly soften their texture. Don’t miss all eight foods you’re spoiling in the refrigerator!
Put Your Spuds to Work:
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Pleasing Potato Pizza
I first heard of this distinctive pizza after a friend tried it at a restaurant. It inspired me to come up with my own recipe. The way the slices disappear, there’s no doubt about this pizza’s potatoey goodness. —Barbara Zimmer, Wanless, Manitoba
Triple Cheese Potato Cake with Ham
This delicious and exquisite soufflelike side dish combines the classic flavors of ham, chives and three different cheeses. The crispy crust and fluffy interior make it over-the-top amazing. —Rebekah Radewahn, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Crispy Mashed Potato Cakes
I love finding ways to use holiday leftovers. These potato cakes use the mashed potatoes, stuffing and breadcrumbs. To go all out, add meat and cheese. —Jeri Psikal, Norman, Oklahoma
Potato Pan Rolls
My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming
International Potato Cake
Over the years, I’ve made this potato cake with lamb, ham and hard salami. It’s a perfect side for a lunch or dinner party.—Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Poutine Burgers
Take one all-American patty and load it up New Hampshire-style French Fries, cheese curds and gravy.
Slow Cooker Spicy Sweet Potato Chili
While this recipe contains no meat, it still has plenty of protein—plus vitamins and minerals. I love sweet potatoes, and they're even better mixed with black beans. Serve the chili with crackers or even spooned into tortilla shells (yes, I made sweet potato tacos out of this). —Jennifer Butz, Atlanta, Georgia
Maine Potato Candy
Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes daily and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and other dishes. This potato candy recipe captures all of the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Braided Onion-Potato Loaf
Ever wonder why a bread recipe includes mashed potatoes? The potato's starchy quality absorbs liquid during the kneading stage, and it holds onto that liquid during baking. The bread finishes with a crisp, brown exterior crust and a flavorful, moist interior that helps the bread keep longer. —Joan Ranzini, Waynesboro, Virginia
Sweet Potato Spice Cookies
Shredded sweet potatoes, butterscotch chips, pecans, coconut and spices are creatively combined in a one-of-a-kind cookie that always brings rave reviews. —Ruth Shaffer, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels Sprouts
My trick to roasting veggies is to choose ones that cook in the same amount of time. Other combinations to try? Cauliflower florets with baby carrots or okra with cherry tomatoes. —Courtney Gaylord, Columbus, Indiana
Easy Potato Rolls
After I discovered this recipe, it became a mainstay for me. I make the dough ahead of time when company is coming, and I try to keep some in the refrigerator to bake for our ranch hands. Leftover mashed potatoes are almost sure to go into these rolls. —Jeanette McKinney, Belleview, Missouri
Greek Stuffed Mini Potatoes
I love this recipe because you can serve it warm or cold. I usually make these stuffed potatoes ahead and serve them chilled with a tzatziki sauce. —Dee Guelcher, Acworth, Georgia
Potato Chowder
One of the ladies in our church quilting group brought this savory potato soup to a meeting, and everyone loved how the cream cheese and bacon made it so rich. It's easy to assemble in the morning so it can simmer on its own all day. —Anna Mayer, Fort Branch, Indiana
Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake
This bacon cheeseburger tater tot casserole is the perfect dish to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Potato Pumpkin Mash
No more plain white mashed potatoes for us! I swirl fresh pumpkin into potatoes for a little extra holiday color. — Michelle Medley, Dallas, Texas
Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Pizza
Pizza for breakfast? Kids of all ages will love making—and munching—this hearty meal-in-one made with convenient crescent rolls and frozen hash browns. It's even great for camping! —Rae Truax, Mattawa, Washington
Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato "Buns"
In this healthier take on sliders, I sandwich a burger between roasty slices of sweet potato. My wife took one bite and approved these tasty little guys. —Guy Martino, Charleston, South Carolina
Potato Salad with Kalamata-Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Potato salad tossed with vinaigrette has a lighter taste than traditional mayo versions. I add velvety avocado and hazelnuts for cool texture and crunch. —Laurie Bock, Lynden, Washington
Loaded Stuffed Potato Pancakes
When I make mashed potatoes, I always cook extra so I can prepare these over-the-top potato pancakes. Fill them with sour cream, ranch dressing, melted cheese—or all three. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida
Short Rib Poutine
This dish combines the hearty, spicy flavors of my beloved slow-cooker short ribs with my all-time favorite comfort food: fries and gravy. With a little prep in the morning, it's just about ready when I come home from work (plus, the kitchen smells amazing!). If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of Sriracha chili sauce. —Erin DeWitt, Long Beach, California
Sweet Potato Ice Cream Pie
Not one person has ever guessed that canned sweet potatoes are the secret ingredient in this pie! It's so creamy and delicious, I'm always asked for the recipe when I serve it. —Susan Bazan, Sequim, Washington
Baked Potato Pizza
I make this creative baked potato pizza for Super Bowl parties. The sour cream, bacon, onions and cheese make every bite taste just like a loaded baked potato. —Gina Pierson, Centralia, Missouri
Leek Potato Pancakes
I received this recipe from my great-grandmother. She brought this over from England, where they enjoyed leeks immensely during the fall and winter. —Suzanne Kesel, Cohocton, New York
Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato Pastries
We always have leftover mashed sweet potatoes after our Thanksgiving feast. I take what’s left to make an indulgent filling for sweet potato empanadas. Convenient crescent roll dough makes this recipe easy as pie. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire
Chicken Stew with Gnocchi
My chicken stew makes the house smell wonderful as it gently bubbles in the slow cooker. One whiff and my family heads to the kitchen to see if it's ready. —Marge Drake, Juniata, Nebraska
Sweet Potato Pancakes with Cinnamon Cream
Topped with a rich cinnamon cream, these pancakes are an ideal dish for celebrating the tastes and aromas of fall. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Sweet Potato Dumplings with Caramel Sauce
When family stays over after a holiday dinner, we make sweet potato dumplings, bacon and eggs for breakfast. Later, we even serve dumplings for dessert. —Mary Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Cheesy Chicken Chowder
I like to serve this hearty chowder as a meal with garlic bread and a salad. It's a wonderful dish to prepare for any occasion. The rich, mild flavor and the tender chicken and vegetables appeal even to children and picky eaters. —Hazel Fritchie, Palestine, Illinois
Tater Tarts
These bite-size potato appetizers combine the tang of sour cream, the sharpness of pepper jack and the distinct flavor of cilantro to make a delectable snack that's easy to prepare. —Sona Massey, Stephens, Arkansas
Super Spud Brownies
These moist and cakey brownies came from my mom’s old cookbook. Mashed potatoes may seem like an unusual ingredient, but this recipe took first place at a local festival. —Marlene Gerer, Denton, Montana
Mashed Potato Cups
This recipe makes a tasty side dish that's a nice alternative to the standard potatoes or rice. —Jill Hancock, Nashua, New Hampshire
Sweet Potato Fries with Blue Cheese
I used to avoid sweet potatoes as a child, mostly because they came out of a can. When I heard of the many health benefits, I began trying fresh sweet potatoes with my husband. Now we enjoy fries topped with cinnamon sugar or cayenne pepper. We've also discovered how awesome they are with blue cheese. —Katrina Krumm, Apple Valley, Minnesota
Tater Tot-chos
Playing with food is loads of fun when you have Tater Tots and taco toppings. Let kids build their own for smiles all around. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota Originally Published: December 03, 2018
