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Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe

4.7 from 399 reviews

Grandma’s Onion Squares are a delightful savory treat featuring caramelized onions baked into a tender, flavorful batter. These golden squares are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, combining a rich buttery onion flavor with a soft, cakey texture. Optionally enhanced with cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, this recipe is both comforting and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they are soft and golden brown, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally during this process to prevent burning. Once caramelized, remove the onions from heat and set them aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to combine the dry ingredients well. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the milk until fully mixed. Add the cooled caramelized onions (and grated cheddar cheese if using) into the wet mixture and stir gently to combine. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing carefully until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  3. Bake the Squares: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish and pour the prepared batter evenly into it, spreading the mixture to fill the pan. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You will know the onion squares are done when the edges turn a golden brown color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the onion squares to cool for a few minutes. Cut them carefully into individual squares. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving these warm, flavorful onion squares.

Notes

  • Caramelize the onions slowly to develop their natural sweetness and avoid bitterness.
  • Adding grated cheddar cheese boosts flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
  • Make sure the onion mixture is cooled before mixing with the batter to prevent cooking the egg prematurely.
  • Use a toothpick test to ensure the squares are fully baked inside.
  • Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Onion squares, caramelized onions, savory baked squares, appetizer, easy onion recipe