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If you love cozy, comforting snacks that warm your heart and delight your taste buds, you’re going to adore Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe. This timeless dish blends sweet, caramelized onions with a tender, lightly sweetened batter to create golden squares that are crisp on the edges and soft inside. Whether you’re sharing these squares at a family gathering or sneaking a piece with your afternoon tea, this recipe brings a nostalgic touch of home-cooked goodness that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is the secret to making Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe truly shine. Each component plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these onion squares irresistible.
- 2 large onions, finely chopped: The star of the dish, caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness and depth.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the onions as they cook and gives the batter a tender crumb.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary for baking a firm but soft square.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the batter rise just enough to stay light and airy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: A touch of sweetness that compliments the caramelized onions beautifully.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the rich texture.
- ½ cup milk: Moistens the batter for that perfect tender bite.
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional): Adds a savory, melty dimension if you’re craving extra flavor.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of color and fresh herbal brightness when serving.
How to Make Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat—it’s important to let the butter foam slightly without burning for that rich flavor base. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté patiently, stirring occasionally. The key here is to cook until they turn a warm, golden brown and develop a natural sweetness. This step takes about 10 to 15 minutes, but trust me, it’s worth every second. Once caramelized, set the onions aside to cool, so they don’t scramble your batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you assemble the batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk until combined smoothly. Now, fold in the cooled caramelized onions, ensuring each bit is evenly coated. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until you achieve a smooth, homogeneous batter. If you want to add that little extra kick, now’s the time to stir in the cheddar cheese for an irresistible cheesy layer.
Step 3: Bake the Squares
Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Pour in your batter and spread it evenly so every square bakes up just right. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma from the oven during this time is simply heavenly and will have everyone eagerly waiting.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the onion squares cool in the pan for a few minutes—this helps them set and makes cutting easier. Slice into generous squares, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. These squares are fabulous whether eaten straight from the oven or slightly cooled, making them perfect for any occasion.
How to Serve Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley offers a vibrant touch and fresh herbal note that complements the sweet onion flavor beautifully. For an extra special twist, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of sour cream pairs wonderfully to add complexity.
Side Dishes
Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe can stand alone as a delightful snack, but they also shine alongside hearty soups like tomato bisque or creamy potato chowder. Pairing them with a crisp green salad adds a refreshing balance to their richness, turning this humble dish into a memorable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the onion squares as finger food on a rustic wooden board with a variety of dips such as tangy mustard sauce or creamy herb dip. For a party spread, stack them in layers and garnish with colorful vegetables or pickles to brighten up the presentation and invite friendly sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover onion squares, no worries! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for about three to four days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their moisture and prevents the edges from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the squares tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to two months without losing their delicious flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the onion squares in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and edges crisp up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that lovely texture as it can sometimes turn the squares a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions in Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe?
Absolutely! Yellow onions are classic because of their balance of sweetness and pungency, but sweet onions or even red onions can add an interesting flavor twist. Just make sure to caramelize them properly for the best results.
What if I want to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground seed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use your favorite non-dairy milk to keep it vegan-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Is the cheddar cheese necessary?
Not at all! The cheese is optional and adds a tasty depth, but the squares are delightful even without it. If you want to keep it simple or dairy-free, feel free to skip the cheese.
Can I make smaller or larger batches?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally and remember that baking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the batter in your baking dish.
What’s the best way to cut the squares without them crumbling?
Allowing the squares to cool in the pan for a few minutes is key to preventing crumbling. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for clean, neat squares that look as good as they taste.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug from the past, yet is so easy to make and wonderfully delicious. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, these onion squares promise plenty of smiles around the table. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the comforting magic that only Grandma’s recipe can bring.
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Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Grandma’s Onion Squares are a delightful savory treat featuring caramelized onions baked into a soft, flavorful batter. This comforting recipe combines the sweetness of slowly sautéed onions with a tender, cheesy base, perfect for serving as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Ingredients
Onions & Butter
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
Optional
- ½ cup grated cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and golden brown, about 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once caramelized, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- 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 until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk thoroughly. Add the cooled caramelized onions (and cheddar cheese, if using) to the wet mixture and stir well to combine. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth batter forms.
- Bake the Squares: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the prepared batter into the dish and spread it evenly across the surface. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the onion squares cool for a few minutes to set. Cut into squares and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Caramelizing the onions slowly is crucial to bring out their natural sweetness and deepen the overall flavor.
- Using cheddar cheese is optional but adds a lovely richness to the recipe.
- Make sure to grease the baking dish well to prevent the squares from sticking.
- This dish can be served warm as an appetizer or side dish and pairs well with soups or salads.
- Allowing the squares to cool slightly before cutting ensures clean slices.
