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
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Made with everyday ingredients
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Crispy outside, tender inside
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Versatile—serve for breakfast, lunch, or dinner
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Perfect for budget-conscious cooking
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Quick to prep and cook in just 20 minutes
Ingredients Breakdown
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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
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Uniform Size: Use a measuring cup or scoop for even patties that cook at the same rate.
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Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at medium heat. If it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks.
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No Milk? Buttermilk or even plain yogurt thinned with water can be substituted.
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Crispier Patties: Add a tablespoon of rice flour or semolina for extra crunch.
Variations and Customizations
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Cheesy Onion Patties: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan to the batter.
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Spicy Version: Stir in ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
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Garlic Twist: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or a few minced garlic cloves.
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Pairing Suggestions
These patties pair beautifully with:
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Dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayo, or spicy aioli
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Main courses like grilled chicken, steak, or BBQ ribs
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Breakfast plates alongside eggs and bacon
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Southern comfort staples like mashed potatoes or coleslaw
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Use a skillet or toaster oven to regain crispness. Avoid microwaving.
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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.