Hey friend, if you’re craving something crispy, comforting, and packed with savory onion flavor, these Cornmeal Onion Patties are going to blow your mind! Imagine golden, crunchy patties with tender, caramelized onions inside—each bite bursting with that warm, slightly sweet onion goodness and a nutty cornmeal crunch. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become your go-to snack or side dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for a quick appetizer to impress guests, a cozy side for dinner, or a fun finger food for movie night, these patties check all the boxes. They’re simple to whip up with pantry staples and have just the right balance of crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside. Ready to dive in? You’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Cornmeal Onion Patties
Crunchy & Flavorful: The golden crust with soft, savory onions inside is pure comfort food magic.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Easy to Make: Straightforward steps, perfect even if you’re a kitchen newbie.
Versatile: Great as a snack, side dish, or even a light vegetarian meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Mild yet delicious flavors that everyone from kids to adults will enjoy.

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Ingredients in Cornmeal Onion Patties
Here’s what brings these patties to life:
Onions: Sweet and tender, sautéed to caramelized perfection.
Cornmeal: Adds that signature crunchy, slightly gritty texture that makes these patties special.
Flour: Helps bind the mixture so the patties hold their shape while cooking.
Eggs: The binding agent that keeps everything together and gives a nice structure.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a pinch of herbs to bring out the best flavors.
Oil: For frying those patties to crispy golden perfection.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these crispy delights? Here’s how:
Sauté the Onions
Cook chopped onions in a little oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, with just a hint of caramelization.
Mix the Batter
In a bowl, combine the sautéed onions with cornmeal, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir gently until everything comes together but don’t overmix.
Shape the Patties
Form the mixture into small patties about the size of your palm, pressing lightly so they hold together.
Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Drain and Serve
Remove the patties and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to fry]
Total Time: [Total time including prep and cook]
How to Serve Cornmeal Onion Patties
- As a Snack: Perfect with spicy mayo, ranch, or sour cream for dipping.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.
- Light Lunch: Serve alongside a crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
- Breakfast Treat: Top with a poached egg for a savory start to your day.
- Party Appetizer: Easy finger food that disappears quickly!
Additional Tips
- Use medium heat to fry for a golden crust without burning.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a nice fresh flavor.
- Form patties gently to keep them tender inside.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in a skillet for crispness.
- Freeze uncooked patties separated by parchment paper and fry from frozen for a quick snack later.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A1: Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though frying gives the best crunch.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend and you’re good to go.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables?
A3: Definitely! Grated zucchini or corn kernels would be delicious additions.
Q4: How long do leftovers keep?
A4: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating in a skillet to keep them crispy.
Q5: Can I freeze these?
A5: Yes! Freeze uncooked patties on parchment paper and cook from frozen when ready.
Q6: What oil works best?
A6: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil.
Q7: Can I make these vegan?
A7: Try substituting eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives, though texture may vary.
Q8: How big should the patties be?
A8: Around 3 inches in diameter works perfectly for even cooking.
Q9: Can I add cheese?
A9: Yes! Adding shredded cheddar or parmesan to the batter is delicious.
Q10: How to get extra crispy patties?
A10: Double coat the patties in cornmeal before frying for an extra crunchy crust.
Conclusion
There you have it — crunchy, savory, and absolutely addictive Cornmeal Onion Patties! These little bites are perfect for any time you want something easy, flavorful, and a little bit special. Whip them up for your next snack attack or side dish, and watch how fast they disappear. You’ve got this!
Print
Cornmeal Onion Patties
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cornmeal Onion Patties are crispy, golden fried onion fritters made by coating sweet onion slices in a seasoned cornmeal batter and frying until crunchy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, sliced into rings
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Separate onion rings carefully.
- In a medium bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg until combined.
- Dip onion rings into the wet mixture, then coat with the cornmeal mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Fry onion rings in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Notes
- Double coat the rings for extra crunch.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mayo.
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg