Grandma’s Onion Squares

Some recipes have a way of making you feel right at home, no matter where you are. Grandma’s Onion Squares is one of those treasures that makes you feel like you’re sitting at a cozy kitchen table, sharing stories and laughter with family. With a savory, buttery crust, a rich onion filling, and a perfectly golden top, these squares are the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a little homemade goodness, trust me, these savory squares will steal the show and become a crowd favorite!

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Onion Squares

• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday gathering, or potluck, these squares are always a hit. They’re easy to prepare and have a flavor that’s universally loved!
• Flaky & Buttery: The soft, flaky crust combined with the savory, melt-in-your-mouth onion filling creates the ideal bite. Every mouthful feels like a warm hug.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Made with just a handful of basic ingredients you probably already have on hand, these squares pack a serious flavor punch.
• Easy to Make: No need to be a gourmet chef! These squares are so straightforward to make, you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen.
• Savory & Satisfying: The caramelized onions give this dish its rich, savory flavor, making it the perfect snack or side dish that’s hearty without being overwhelming.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Grandma’s Onion Squares—a delicious blend of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly comforting:

For the Crust:

• All-purpose flour: The base for your flaky, tender crust.
• Butter: Gives the crust its rich, buttery flavor and smooth texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the crust rise slightly, making it light and airy.
• Salt: A pinch to bring all the flavors together.

For the Filling:

• Yellow onions: These are the star of the show! They’re sautéed until golden and sweet, giving the filling its wonderful depth of flavor.
• Cream cheese: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling, helping it stay together.
• Sour cream: Makes the filling creamy and tangy.
• Eggs: To bind the filling together and create a firm but creamy texture.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds a delicious, savory note to balance out the sweetness of the onions.
• Salt and pepper: To season and enhance the flavor of the filling.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Grandma’s Onion Squares come together quickly with just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make these flavorful squares:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in the softened butter and mix until the dough is crumbly and well combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. It’s okay if it’s a bit rustic!

Step 2: Bake the Crust

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t brown too much. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions

While the crust is baking, heat a little butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are soft, golden brown, and caramelized—about 10-15 minutes. This step is key for developing that sweet, savory onion flavor. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, and cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until smooth. Stir in the caramelized onions, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Squares

Pour the onion filling mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden on top. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 6: Let Cool & Serve

Once the squares are baked to perfection, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before cutting them into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 210
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrate: 14g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

How to Serve Grandma’s Onion Squares

• As an Appetizer: Serve these savory squares at your next party or family gathering. They’re easy to pick up and enjoy in bite-sized portions.
• With a Side Salad: These squares pair wonderfully with a crisp, green salad for a lighter meal. Add some vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the squares.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside your favorite roasted meats, chicken, or pork. These squares would make a fantastic accompaniment to a hearty dinner.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust and filling separately ahead of time. Assemble and bake the squares just before you’re ready to serve.
• Storage: Leftover onion squares can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled squares before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! Feel free to swap the cheddar for mozzarella or even a sharp Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover onion squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep the crust crisp.

Q4: Can I freeze these onion squares?
A4: Absolutely! After baking, let the squares cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to enjoy.

Q5: Can I use frozen onions instead of fresh ones?
A5: While fresh onions work best for caramelization, you can use frozen onions if you’re in a pinch. Just sauté them until fully cooked and golden.

Q6: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can prepare everything the day before, then bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Q7: How do I know when the filling is set?
A7: The filling should be golden and firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick into the center to make sure it comes out clean.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
A8: Sure! You can experiment with adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for a unique twist.

Q9: What type of pan should I use for baking?
A9: A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe, but any similar-sized pan will do.

Q10: Can I make these squares smaller for appetizers?
A10: Yes! You can cut the squares into smaller portions, making them perfect for serving as bite-sized appetizers.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about Grandma’s Onion Squares—they’re the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth and makes every bite feel like a taste of nostalgia. With a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, savory filling, these squares are perfect for any occasion and will leave everyone asking for the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want a comforting snack, these onion squares are sure to satisfy. Get baking and enjoy this timeless, delicious treat!

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