Baby onions are onions harvested small and immature, prized for a sweeter, milder flavor and more tender texture than a full-grown onion. They're often used interchangeably with pearl onions in recipes, though true pearl onions are usually a specific small-bulb variety rather than just a young regular onion. Baby onions are common in braises and stews, such as beef bourguignon and pot roasts, where they hold their shape and absorb the cooking liquid; they're also roasted whole, pickled, or added to vegetable medleys. Their delicate sweetness pairs well with rich, savory dishes and herbs like thyme and rosemary.