Name: Homemade Fried Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 large onions, thinly sliced; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); Vegetable oil for frying

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Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, homemade fried onions are easy to make with a buttermilk soak and seasoned flour dredge. Perfect for topping casseroles, burgers, or enjoying as a snack, this homemade version beats store-bought every time. Make your Thanksgiving dishes unforgettable with these crunchy onions!

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There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch and rich flavor of fried onions. While store-bought French-fried onions are convenient, making them at home allows you to control the seasoning, texture, and freshness. In this recipe, we’ll soak thinly sliced onions in buttermilk and coat them in a seasoned flour dredge before frying to golden perfection. Whether you’re adding them to a casserole, a burger, or enjoying them straight from the pan, these homemade fried onions are a game-changer.

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Homemade Fried Onions Are Perfect for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about rich flavors and comforting dishes, and homemade fried onions take classic recipes like green bean casserole to the next level. Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, they add a delightful crunch to your holiday table. Skip the store-bought version this year and impress your guests with these easy-to-make fried onions that elevate any Thanksgiving dish.

Image illustrates sliced onions for homemade fried onions.

Recipe Tutorial

Ingredients

2 large onions, thinly sliced
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Soak the onions: Place the thinly sliced onions in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
Prepare the dredge: In a separate bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Coat the onions: Remove onions from buttermilk, shaking off excess, then dredge in the seasoned flour until evenly coated.
Heat the oil: Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the onions: Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2–4 minutes per batch.
Drain and serve: Remove fried onions with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm.

Slicing and soaking the onions is a quick process, especially on Thanksgiving day when you have other things to do in the kitchen. You can push the bowl aside for a half hour and get some other things done.

Coating the sliced onions in flour and placing on a plate helps for a smooth process. I did this is small batches to ensure every slice of onion got a good coat of flour.

Using a wire slotted spoon makes this an easy cooking experience. Be sure to go slow and carefully drop in the flour coated onions in small batches at a time.

Place them on a clean towel on a plate to soak up the excess oil.

These homemade fried onions turned out perfect and delicious on this Thanksgiving day! We cannot wait to consume them!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Fried Onions

Slice Evenly: For uniformly crispy onions, slice them as evenly as possible. A mandoline slicer works great for consistent thin slices.
Avoid Sogginess: Make sure to shake off excess buttermilk before dredging in flour. Over-soaked onions can create soggy fried pieces.
Choose the Right Oil: Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work best for frying due to their high smoke points.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Fry in batches to keep the oil hot. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and make onions greasy.
Drain Properly: Always place fried onions on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.

Variations to Customize Your Fried Onions

Spicy Fried Onions: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the flour for a subtle kick.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour for rice flour or almond flour for a gluten-free crunchy topping.
Baked Onions: For a lighter alternative, spread coated onions on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Herb-Infused: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder into your flour for an aromatic twist.

Storage & Reheating

Short-Term Storage: Store fried onions in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Longer Storage: Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for 1–2 months. Spread frozen onions on a baking sheet before freezing to avoid clumping.
Reheating Tips: Reheat in a skillet or oven for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Classic Thanksgiving Topping: Use fried onions on green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, or stuffing to add flavor and crunch.
Sandwiches & Burgers: Layer on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for a crispy, savory texture.
Salads & Appetizers: Sprinkle over salads, roasted vegetables, or soups for extra flavor.
Snack-Time Crunch: Enjoy straight from the pan as a simple, addictive snack.

Fun Facts About Fried Onions

Origins: French fried onions became popular in the U.S. as a topping for casseroles and holiday dishes.
Popularity in Green Bean Casserole: Their rise in fame is tied to Thanksgiving green bean casserole, which often calls for crunchy onion toppings.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Making fried onions at home gives you more control over seasoning, freshness, and texture.
Creative Uses: Beyond casseroles, fried onions can enhance everything from soups to burgers and even breakfast dishes like omelets or savory pancakes.

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Conclusion

Making homemade fried onions is easier than you think, and the results are unbeatable. From elevating your Thanksgiving casseroles to adding a crunch to burgers or salads, these crispy onions are a versatile kitchen staple. With a simple buttermilk soak and seasoned flour coating, you can enjoy perfectly golden, flavorful onions anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make fried onions ahead of time?

Yes! You can fry the onions and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in a skillet to restore crispiness.

2. Can I bake the onions instead of frying?

Absolutely! Toss the coated onions on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and crispy.

3. What type of onions work best for frying?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or yellow onions work best as they have a natural sweetness that caramelizes nicely during frying.

4. Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, but for best results, add 1 tsp of vinegar or lemon juice per cup of milk to mimic the acidity of buttermilk. This helps the coating stick better and adds flavor.

Homemade Fried Onions

Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, these homemade fried onions are a delicious upgrade from the store-bought kind. Soaked in tangy buttermilk and coated in a seasoned flour dredge, they fry up perfectly crunchy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. Perfect for adding a satisfying crunch to casseroles, green bean dishes, burgers, sandwiches, salads, or even enjoying as a snack on their own, these fried onions are versatile and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a fresh, flavorful topping that will elevate any meal, especially during the holidays or for a special family dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Soaking Time 30

Total Time 1