Old-Fashioned Onion Patties

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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Old-Fashioned Onion Patties are a simple yet savory comfort food classic. Made with chopped onions, a seasoned flour-cornmeal batter, and pan-fried to golden perfection, they’re the perfect side dish or snack with a nostalgic homemade flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with everyday ingredients

• Crispy outside, tender inside

• Versatile—serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner

• Perfect for budget-conscious cooking

• Quick to prep and cook in just 20 minutes

Ingredients Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):
  Forms the base of the batter, giving structure and crispness.

• Cornmeal (2 tbsp):
  Adds a slight crunch and old-fashioned texture to the patties.

• White Sugar (2 tsp):
  Balances the savory flavor with a subtle touch of sweetness.

• Baking Powder (2 tsp):
  Helps the patties puff slightly, making them light and fluffy inside.

• Salt (½ tsp) & Black Pepper (¼ tsp):
  Essential seasonings to enhance the onion flavor.

• Chopped Onions (2½ cups):
  The star of the show—use sweet or white onions for the best result.

• Milk (1 cup):
  Moistens the batter and brings all the dry ingredients together.

• Cooking Oil (½ cup):
  Used for pan-frying, giving the patties their irresistible golden crust.

Tips and Tricksf

• Uniform Size: Use a measuring cup or scoop for even patties that cook at the same rate.

• Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at medium heat. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks.

• No Milk? Buttermilk or even plain yogurt thinned with water can be substituted.

• Crispier Patties: Add a tablespoon of rice flour or semolina for extra crunch.

Variations and Customizations

• Cheesy Onion Patties: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan to the batter.

• Spicy Version: Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.

• Garlic Twist: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or a few minced garlic cloves.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Pairing Suggestions

These patties pair beautifully with:

• Dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy aioli

• Main courses like grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs

• Breakfast plates alongside eggs and bacon

• Southern comfort staples like mashed potatoes or coleslaw

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Use a skillet or toaster oven to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving.

• Freezing: Freeze uncooked batter in scoops or cooked patties; reheat from frozen in a skillet.

Popular Questions

Can I use red or yellow onions instead of white?

Yes! Any type of onion works. White is traditional, but red adds sweetness and color.

Can these be baked instead of fried?

Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Are these similar to fritters?

Yes—onion patties are essentially Southern onion fritters, using cornmeal for added texture.

Old-Fashioned Onion Patties

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 patties

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Description

Looking for a quick, savory, and budget-friendly side dish? These Crispy Old-Fashioned Onion Patties are a retro skillet favorite—simple to make, packed with flavor, and made entirely from pantry staples

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Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons cornmeal

• 2 teaspoons white sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2½ cups chopped white onions

• 1 cup milk

• ½ cup cooking oil

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Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper.

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2. Add the Onions

Stir in the chopped onions until evenly coated with the dry mixture.

3. Add the Milk

Pour in the milk and mix until a thick batter forms. It should be scoopable but not runny.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of oil over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.

5. Fry the Patties

• Scoop out ¼ cup portions of the batter and drop into the hot oil.

• Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.

• Fry each side for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

6. Drain and Serve

Transfer patties to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them drain for a minute before serving.

Notes

These Old-Fashioned Onion Patties are a hidden gem from the world of classic American cooking. Whether you serve them as a side, snack, or appetizer, they’ll impress with their crispy edges and tender centers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Pan-Fried
• Cuisine: American

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