Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe
If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful treat with just the right blend of savory and a hint of sweetness, this Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe is a must-try. These golden fritters showcase tender, finely chopped onions nestled in a crispy cornmeal crust. The magic lies in their irresistible texture and balanced seasoning that perfectly highlight the simple ingredients, transforming them into a comforting southern side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re after a satisfying snack or a charming accompaniment at the dinner table, these patties bring joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role in creating that classic, crispy exterior and tender onion-filled interior, making the Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe a delightful and straightforward dish to prepare.
- Yellow cornmeal: Provides a coarse texture and nutty flavor that crisps up wonderfully when fried.
- All-purpose flour: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure without overpowering the taste.
- Baking powder: Gives the patties a light lift, preventing them from becoming too dense.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to keep things interesting.
- Garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile with a gentle aroma.
- Smoked paprika (optional): Introduces a smoky warmth that adds complexity without overwhelming.
- Finely chopped onion: The star ingredient, bringing moisture, sweetness, and texture to the patties.
- Milk or buttermilk: Keeps the batter moist and tender, with buttermilk adding a slight tanginess.
- Egg: Binds everything nicely, ensuring the patties hold their shape during frying.
- Vegetable oil: For frying to perfect golden crispness.
How to Make Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
Begin by whisking together your yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it) in a large bowl. This dry mix forms the flavorful backbone of your patties, ensuring every bite is seasoned just right.
Step 2: Add the onions
Stir the finely chopped onions into the dry ingredients, distributing them evenly so each patty has a generous amount of onion flavor. Coating the onions in the cornmeal mixture also helps prevent too much moisture from escaping during frying, keeping your patties crispy outside and tender inside.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk) and egg until smooth. This mixture will bring the batter together and create the perfect consistency. Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl and gently stir until combined. The batter should be thick enough to hold shape but easy to scoop.
Step 4: Fry the patties
Heat about a quarter inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Test the oil’s readiness with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle immediately. Using a spoon, form small patties about three inches wide and carefully add them to the hot oil. Fry the patties for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and crisp crust. Remove and drain on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
How to Serve Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dollop of cool sour cream or a drizzle of honey can elevate these patties beautifully. For those who love some heat, a splash of your favorite hot sauce adds a zesty contrast, while fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley add a burst of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These patties shine alongside southern classics—imagine them with creamy coleslaw, tangy pickles, or a fresh, crisp green salad. They also pair wonderfully with grilled vegetables or roasted meats, making them a versatile staple for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving Cornmeal Onion Patties as a creative appetizer by stacking them with layers of melted cheese or adding a smear of spicy aioli between two patties for a fun twist. You can also turn them into mini sliders with a slice of tomato and lettuce for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keeping them covered maintains their moisture, but they do best enjoyed fresh and crispy.
Freezing
If you want to save them for later, freeze the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their delicious texture or flavor.
Reheating
To bring back their crispy charm, reheat Cornmeal Onion Patties in a hot skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven rather than microwaving. This method restores their crunch and keeps them from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of onions in this recipe?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are classic for their balanced sweetness and pungency, but red or white onions can also work. Each will lend a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment to match your taste preferences.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Can I add cheese or herbs to the batter?
Definitely! Mixing in shredded cheddar, parmesan, or your favorite cheese can add richness, while fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives brighten the dish. These additions complement the cornmeal and onion beautifully.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is ideal because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point, which helps achieve a golden crust without burning. Other oils like canola or sunflower oil also work well.
Can I bake the patties instead of frying?
Baking is possible but changes the texture. To bake, place patties on a greased baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still make for a tasty, lighter alternative.
Final Thoughts
There’s something genuinely comforting and satisfying about a batch of golden-brown, crispy Cornmeal Onion Patties. This recipe hits that sweet spot with textures and flavors that feel both nostalgic and fresh. I encourage you to give this simple yet impressive southern side dish a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to snack or accompaniment that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cornmeal Onion Patties are crispy, golden fritters made by frying a flavorful batter of cornmeal, flour, and finely chopped onions. These Southern American side dishes are perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, offering a deliciously savory and slightly crispy bite. Ideal for serving warm with sour cream, hot sauce, or honey, these patties make a delightful snack or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- ¾ cup milk (or buttermilk)
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying (about ¼ inch depth in skillet)
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Stir in the finely chopped onion to coat evenly with the dry mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk and egg until well blended. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined into a thick batter.
- Heat Oil: Pour about ¼ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of batter in and look for a sizzle.
- Form and Fry Patties: Using a spoon, carefully drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil, shaping small patties approximately 3 inches wide. Fry each patty for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve: Remove patties from the skillet and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm with your choice of sour cream, hot sauce, or honey.
Notes
- These patties are delightful on their own or paired with sour cream, hot sauce, or honey for added flavor.
- You can customize the recipe by mixing in shredded cheese or chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for extra taste and texture.
- They are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a skillet or toaster oven to revive their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
