Onion Patties Recipe
If you love onion rings, these Onion Patties are a must-try. Fried to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet, theyre a delicious cross between a fritter and a hush puppy, with sweet, bold onions taking center stage. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they become the kind of appetizer no one can resist when paired with the creamy, tangy dipping sauce. Heres how to make them.
Ingredients
Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Onion Patties:
- Canola oil, for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons fine yellow cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for sprinkling
- 2 cups chopped sweet onion
- 1 cup whole buttermilk
Directions
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Onion Patties: Pour enough canola oil into a large cast-iron skillet to reach a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating up, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne in a separate bowl.
- Add the chopped onions and buttermilk to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
- Check Oil Temperature: To check if the oil is ready, drop a small spoonful of batter into the hot oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Fry the Patties: Working in batches, scoop a scant 1/4 cup of the batter and drop it into the hot oil. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread the batter into a small circle. Fry the patties for about 3 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until both sides are golden brown.
- Drain and Season: Remove the patties from the skillet and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt while still hot.
- Serve: Serve the crispy onion patties hot with the prepared dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Per Serving | Amount | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 360 | |
| Total Fat | 25g | 32% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 18% |
| Cholesterol | 12mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 645mg | 28% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31g | 11% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 5% |
| Total Sugars | 10g | |
| Protein | 5g | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 156mg | 12% |
| Iron | 2mg | 9% |
| Potassium | 202mg | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Onion patties are a mouth-watering dish that offers the crispy, golden texture of hush puppies with the bold, sweet flavor of onion rings. This Southern delicacy is not only a delightful appetizer but also a great addition to any casual meal. Let's dive into the history, regional significance, and some fun facts about these crispy treats.
Origin and History of Onion Patties
The origin of onion patties can be traced to the Southern United States, a region renowned for its rich culinary traditions. These savory fritters were likely inspired by early Southern cooking, which often involved deep-frying vegetables and other ingredients in batter. The concept of combining onions with fried dough can be found in many cultures, but in the American South, it became a beloved snack and side dish. The pairing of onions with a simple, crispy batter is thought to have been a way to use surplus onions from harvests in creative and flavorful ways.
Regional Variations and Local Popularity
Onion patties are particularly popular in the Southern states, where comfort food reigns supreme. In places like Louisiana, Texas, and Alabama, these crispy treats are served at family gatherings, barbecues, and church picnics. They often appear alongside fried chicken, fish, and other fried delights. However, regional variations do exist. For instance, some areas might use a slightly spicier batter, while others might add herbs like thyme or cayenne pepper to the mix for an extra kick. Despite these small differences, the basic concept remains the samea crispy, onion-filled snack that's perfect for dipping.
How Onion Patties Differ from Similar Dishes
Onion patties share similarities with other fried onion dishes like onion rings and hush puppies, but there are key differences. Onion rings, typically larger and round, are made by dipping whole onion slices in batter and deep-frying them until golden. On the other hand, onion patties are smaller, bite-sized fritters made by combining chopped onions with a thicker batter. The batter used for onion patties often includes ingredients like cornmeal and flour, which give them a heartier, denser texture than onion rings. Furthermore, while hush puppies are typically made from cornmeal and served as a side, onion patties incorporate onions directly into the batter, giving them a burst of flavor in every bite.
Where Onion Patties are Commonly Served
Onion patties are a popular dish in Southern households, especially during gatherings or casual meals. They are commonly served as an appetizer or side dish in restaurants and family dinners, often accompanied by a tangy dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. These patties are also a staple at seafood restaurants and cookouts, where they pair perfectly with fried fish or shrimp. In some regions, onion patties can be found as a part of the traditional Southern breakfast, alongside biscuits and gravy or eggs and bacon.
Interesting Facts About Onion Patties
- Though onion patties are typically fried, you can make them in a healthier way by baking them in the oven for a less greasy option.
- Some cooks add cheese or other vegetables to the batter to give the patties a unique twist.
- Onion patties are often enjoyed with a variety of dipping sauces, ranging from spicy sriracha mayo to a simple ranch dressing.
- These patties can be made with different types of onions, but sweet onions are most commonly used due to their mild and slightly tangy flavor.
Whether you're enjoying them at a summer cookout or making them at home for a quick snack, onion patties are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Their golden, crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior make them a perfect treat for any occasion.
FAQ about Onion Patties Recipe
Comments
FrothyStir1084
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
Pre softened onions in the butter milk 4hrs.
Carolyn Hernandez
10/21/2024 08:52:53 PM
So yummy and effortless.