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Learn how to dye eggs with onion skins using this traditional Balkan method. It’s a simple and natural way to create beautifully colored, rust-red Easter eggs with delicate leaf prints.
Looking for more Easter Recipe Inspiration, check these recipes out.
Ingredients (for 12 eggs)
- 12 white eggs
- Skins from 12 yellow onions (just the dry layers)
- 12 small herbs, leaves, or edible flowers (parsley, dill, mint, clover, wild greens, etc.)
- Nylon stockings or pantyhose (cut into 5–6 inch pieces)
- Thread or twist ties
- Water (enough to cover the eggs)
- 1–2 tbsp vinegar (optional, helps fix the dye)
- Vegetable oil (for polishing)
Instructions
- Wash and prep the eggs: Rinse your eggs and pat dry.
- Apply the herbs or flowers: Soak your herbs or flowers briefly in warm water to soften them. This helps them stick better to the surface of the raw eggs. Lightly moisten and press one onto each egg. Lightly moisten a herb, leaf, or flower and press it against each egg.
- Wrap in nylon: Place the egg inside a piece of pantyhose, pull it tight to hold the leaf or flower in place, and tie both ends.
- Prepare the dye bath: Add onion skins and water to a large pot. Stir in vinegar, if using. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Boil the eggs: Gently lower the wrapped eggs into the dye bath. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Optional soak: For deeper color, let the eggs sit in the pot (off heat) for 2–8 hours.
- Unwrap and reveal: Cool slightly, then remove the nylon and leaf. Let dry.
- Polish: Rub each egg with a little oil for a glossy finish.
Tips for Best Results When You Dye Eggs with Onion Skins
- Ask your grocer for extra onion skins—no need to waste whole onions.
- Flat herbs like parsley or clover work best, but edible flowers can also be used for beautiful patterns.
- For a marbled look, wrap some onion skins inside the nylon with the egg.
- Use white eggs for the brightest contrast.
- A mix of red and yellow onion skins creates layered, earthy tones. Using only red onion skins gives a deeper brick-red hue.
- This method also works if you’re using artificial dye tablets in cups. Just keep in mind the onion skin method involves a longer soak, which helps the color develop more slowly and naturally. Artificial dyes may appear less intense with this timing.
FAQ About How to Dye Eggs with Onion Skins
Are these the same as Greek Easter eggs?
Similar methods are used in Greece, but this technique is also deeply rooted in Bulgarian and Balkan tradition.
Do I need to use nylon?
Yes—it holds the leaf or flower in place so the print comes out clean.
What color will the eggs turn?
A rusty red or orange-brown with yellow skins; brick-red when using only red onion skins.
Can I use red onion skins?
Yes! Red onion skins produce a deeper, richer color. A combination of both red and yellow skins gives beautiful variation.
More Easter Recipes You’ll Love (Including How to Dye Eggs with Onion Skins)
Easter Eggs with Onion Skins
Learn how to dye eggs with onion skins using this traditional Bulgarian method. Naturally colored Easter eggs with herbs, flowers, and pantyhose – rustic, festive, and fun.
Video
Ingredients
- 12 white eggs
- Skins from 12 yellow or red onions, outer dry layers only
- 12 small herbs, leaves, or edible flowers (parsley, mint, clover, etc.)
- Nylon stockings or pantyhose, cut into 12 pieces, 5–6 inches each
- Thread or twist ties
- Water, enough to cover eggs in pot
- 1 –2 tablespoons vinegar, optional
- Vegetable oil, for polishing
Instructions
- Wash and dry the eggs. Lightly moisten each herb, leaf, or flower and press it onto the egg.
- Wrap each egg tightly in a piece of nylon, securing both ends with thread or twist ties.
- In a large pot, add onion skins and cover with water. Stir in vinegar, if using.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes to create the dye bath.
- Gently lower the wrapped eggs into the pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- For deeper color, let the eggs soak in the dye bath for 2–8 hours after boiling.
- Remove eggs, cool slightly, then unwrap and peel off the herbs or flowers.
- Dry completely, then rub each egg with a little vegetable oil for a shiny finish.
Notes
Use flat herbs and edible flowers for beautiful, clean prints.
White eggs give the best contrast.
You can reuse the dye bath for another batch.
Red onion skins yield a darker, brick-red tone.
This method works with artificial egg dyes, too—just know the results may be more subtle due to the long soaking process.
Nutrition
Calories: 63kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.3g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 164mg, Sodium: 62mg, Potassium: 61mg, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 238IU, Calcium: 25mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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