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READY IN 50 mins

Onion Skin Colored Eggs

Read Reviews (8)

"For a beautiful marble effect on hard-boiled eggs at Easter time, wrap the uncooked egg in onion skins before boiling them. These eggs will not stain clothes or hands and they are perfect for an egg hunt because the dew from the grass will not change the colors and because they blend so well with rocks and leaves, they are a bit of a challenge for the older kids. The yellow and red onions produce a stronger color than the white skins and some will be so beautiful that they are the only centerpiece you will need and you will wish you can keep it forever. " — JR

Ingredients Edit and Save

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All about Eggs

Original recipe makes 1 dozen Change Servings

5 yellow onions
5 red onions

12 eggs

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Directions

Remove the colored skins from the outsides of the yellow and red onions. Save the rest of the onion for other uses. Cut cheesecloth into 5 inch squares. Place a couple of pieces of onion skin onto a square of cheesecloth and set an egg on top. Gather the cheesecloth around the egg so that it is covered with onion skin. Secure with a rubber band. Repeat with remaining eggs and onion skins.
Fill a large pot with cold water and add the wrapped eggs. Cover and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the eggs under cold water and snip off the rubber bands to remove the cheesecloth. Rinse and dry the eggs.

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PREP 30 mins
COOK 20 mins
READY IN 50 mins

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Reviews More Reviews

Feb 01, 2010

Another way to do this is to put one color of onion skin loose in the pot with the eggs, instead of wrapping them. This creates even coloring across the entire egg, if you don't like the mottled appearance created by wrapping the eggs.

—ABCDEFG679

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Mar 24, 2010

I made these growing up with my grandma and this is just how she made hers. I didn't have any cloth, so I made mine by wrapping the eggs in the skins and then wrapping them in aluminum foil. I wasn't sure they would turn out, but they did! So much easier and less time consuming. The eggs are beautiful and I am happy to find a new spin on an old tradition. I did add a teaspoon of vinegar to the pot; not sure whether that did anything or not. Also, once the eggs are cool and dry, you can make them shine by rubbing a tiny bit of vegetable oil on the outside.

—CAREYWAYE

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8 Ratings

Jan 08, 2009

In Greece they used to make Easter eggs this way before there was dye! They use only red onion skins to produce a gorgeous, deep hue. Try it!!!!!!!

—Diana Moutsopoulos

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Mar 27, 2009

I used red onion skins, and made as written. Make sure you use the dry skin and not moist peel or the color won't project on the egg. Look at the photos that Jr the submitter posted. They are very helpful.

—michellej

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Sep 02, 2011

Keep them in the onion skins longer and they will turn out even darker. Also, be sure to make more than you'll need; some eggs will crack or take colour unevenly. Best part: the eggs look great and then you can still eat them!

—izfo

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Jun 08, 2011

My in-laws call these "wooden Easter eggs". In their family tradition, the Easter Bunny lays wooden eggs around the house. The way I learned the technique, there's no need for cheesecloth. Just put the eggs and onion skins in the water together, making sure that bits of skin are between the eggs for best marbling effect. When the eggs are finished, we rub them with vegetable oil to make them shine.

—jobeibi

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Mar 19, 2013

I am loving this idea. I despise the traditional method of dying eggs so I usually don't bother, but I'm looking forward to trying this. Thanks for the idea. :-)

—Donna

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Sep 20, 2012

An update to the original recipe...found out that you can use this method on blown out eggs. Use your favorite method to blow out the raw egg from the shell - I just tap a small hole with the sharp end of a knife in each end of a raw egg and then blow with your mouth or and egg blowing tool on one hole while the raw egg pushes through the other hole. If you have trouble, use a toothpick to try and lance the egg yolk while it is in the shell before blowing. Once all the raw egg is out of the shell, rinse off the empty shell and begin to wrap (carefully) dry onion skins around the shell. Secure with aluminum foil or cheese cloth and boil until desired color is achieved. Drain the eggs and let cool before unwrapping. Boiling water will get inside the egg shell, so be careful and unwrap over a bowl or sink. The marble affect will be permanent and you can use the eggs to decorate year after year. You can leave with matte finish or cover with favorite clear coat finish.

—JR

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Nutrition

Calories
108 kcal
5%

Carbohydrates
8.9 g
3%

Cholesterol
212 mg
70%

Fat
5.1 g
8%

Fiber
1.6 g
6%

Protein
7.3 g
15%

Sodium
74 mg
3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Onion Skin Colored Eggs

Serving Size: 1/12 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 108
Calories from Fat: 46

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 5.1g 8 %
Saturated Fat 1.6g 8 %
Cholesterol 212mg 70 %
Sodium 74mg 3 %
Potassium 201mg 6 %
Total Carbohydrates 8.9g 3 %
Dietary Fiber 1.6g 6 %
Protein 7.3g 15 %
Sugars 4.3g
Vitamin A 5 %
Vitamin C 11 %
Calcium 6 %
Iron 11 %
** Thiamin 5 %
Niacin 13 %
Vitamin B6 11 %
Magnesium 5 %
Folate 23 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.