National Onion Rings Day is a celebration dedicated to one of the most beloved appetizers in the world: onion rings! These golden, crispy, and delicious treats are made by dipping onion slices into batter or breadcrumbs and deep-frying them to perfection. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own, onion rings have become a staple in American cuisine and beyond.
Quick Facts
- When is it?: June 22
- Tagged as: Food & Drink
- What’s the hashtag?: #NationalOnionRingsDay
- When was it founded?: Officially recognized in 2014
- Who founded it?: The National Onion Association
History of National Onion Rings Day
The origins of onion rings date back to at least 1802 when a recipe for “Fried Onions with Parmesan Cheese” appeared in John Mollard’s cookbook The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined. This early version involved coating onion rings in a batter of flour, cream, and cheese before frying them in lard.
In the early 20th century, recipes for fried onions began appearing in newspapers, and by the 1920s, Texas-based restaurant chain Kirby’s Pig Stand claimed to have popularized onion rings. Their fame grew further in the 1960s when fast-food chains like A&W added them to their menus. Today, onion rings are celebrated worldwide as a crunchy, flavorful snack.
Timeline
- 1802: First known recipe for fried onions appears in John Mollard’s cookbook.
- 1920s: Kirby’s Pig Stand claims to introduce onion rings at its Texas locations.
- 1933: Crisco advertises onion rings in The New York Times.
- 1960s: A&W Restaurants help popularize onion rings in fast food culture.
- 2014: The National Onion Association officially recognizes National Onion Rings Day.
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | June 22 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 22 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 22 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | June 22 | Thursday |
| 2029 | June 22 | Friday |
| 2030 | June 22 | Saturday |
Observed
National Onion Rings Day is observed by indulging in this classic snack! People celebrate by making homemade onion rings, visiting restaurants that serve them, or experimenting with different recipes and dipping sauces. Whether baked or fried, spicy or sweet, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this savory treat.
Fun Facts About Onion Rings
- Onion rings are popular worldwide, including in countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, and South Africa.
- Some variations use onion paste instead of whole onion slices for easier eating.
- Bloomin’ onions and Funyuns are creative spin-offs inspired by traditional onion rings.
Quiz
- When is National Onion Rings Day celebrated?
- Which restaurant chain helped popularize onion rings in the 1960s?
- What was the name of the cookbook that featured the first known recipe for fried onions?
Answers:
- June 22
- A&W Restaurants
- The Art of Cookery Made Easy and Refined
FAQs
- Can I bake onion rings instead of frying them? Yes! Baked onion rings are a healthier alternative while still being delicious.
- What’s the best dipping sauce for onion rings? Popular choices include ketchup, ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, and spicy aioli.
- Are there gluten-free options for making onion rings? Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for your batter.
Related
- National French Fry Day
- National Cheeseburger Day
- International Fast Food Day