If you are craving a delightful snack that is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with savory onion flavor, this Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe is your new best friend. These golden patties bring together the hearty texture of cornmeal and the sweet sharpness of onions in a way that feels like a warm Southern hug. Perfectly spiced and pan-fried to perfection, they make an irresistible addition to any meal or a satisfying standalone treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the grainy texture of cornmeal to the mellow bite of onion, creating a perfectly balanced patty that’s crispy yet fluffy.
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal: Provides that essential grainy texture and golden color that make these patties so irresistible.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the patties and keep them light and tender without heaviness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift to keep the patties airy and soft inside.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the savory flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the onions.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a background depth of flavor without overpowering the onion.
- 1 cup finely chopped onion: The star ingredient, adding moisture and a robust savory flavor.
- 3/4 cup milk: Moistens the mixture and ensures a tender interior.
- 1 egg (beaten): Acts as a rich binder keeping all ingredients together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying): Adds fat for moisture and crispness during cooking.
How to Make Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. This blend ensures your patties will have just the right texture and flavor depth.
Step 2: Add the Onion
Stir the finely chopped onion into the dry ingredients, making sure every bit is coated. This step helps distribute the onion flavor evenly throughout each patty and keeps the mixture from clumping.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. This combination brings moisture and richness that will keep the patties tender inside while frying.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and mix gently until everything is fully incorporated. Your batter should be thick but slightly loose enough to shape into patties.
Step 5: Cook the Patties
Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook each patty for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the batter is used, adding more oil as needed.
How to Serve Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple touch of charm, top your Cornmeal Onion Patties with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions. These additions brighten the dish and marry perfectly with the savory flavor of the patties.
Side Dishes
These patties are versatility at its finest and pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, a spicy tomato salsa, or even a creamy coleslaw. Their crispy texture offers a perfect contrast to fresh and tangy sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the plate? Try serving the patties as bite-sized appetizers with a spicy dipping sauce, or stack them up as sliders with a slice of cheese and some crispy lettuce for a fun twist on a classic snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your leftover Cornmeal Onion Patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them an easy grab-and-go snack or side for busy days.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze the patties after cooking and cooling them. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To maintain that crispy exterior when reheating, warm the patties in a skillet over medium heat rather than microwaving. This method refreshes their crunch and keeps the interior soft and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use other types of flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! If you want a gluten-free option, you can try rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just keep in mind the texture may change slightly but the patties will still be delicious.
Can I add extra vegetables to the patties?
Yes! Finely grated carrots or zucchini work beautifully and add color and nutrition. Make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from vegetables to keep the batter from becoming too watery.
Are these patties suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer and use a plant-based milk alternative. The patties will still come out tasty and crunchy.
What’s the best oil to fry these patties in?
Vegetable oil is ideal for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point. You can also use canola or sunflower oil for similar results. Avoid olive oil as it may burn too quickly at medium heat.
Can I make smaller patties for appetizers?
Definitely! Making smaller, bite-sized patties is a fun way to serve these at parties or as finger food. Just reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking them.
Final Thoughts
These Cornmeal Onion Patties are a breeze to make and an absolute joy to eat, offering the perfect balance of crispiness and savory richness. Whether you’re serving them as a side, snack, or appetizer, they bring warmth and comfort to any table. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Print
Cornmeal Onion Patties Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 patties
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cornmeal Onion Patties are crispy, golden fritters made from a simple batter of cornmeal, flour, and finely chopped onions. This Southern American side dish is easy to prepare on the stovetop and delivers a savory flavor with a satisfying crunch. Perfect as an appetizer or accompaniment, these patties can be customized with additional spices or served with dipping sauces for extra zest.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus more for frying)
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Onion: Stir in the finely chopped onion, ensuring they are well coated with the dry mixture for even flavor distribution.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until thoroughly combined.
- Form Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a cohesive batter forms, making sure there are no dry patches.
- Heat Oil: Warm approximately 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Cook Patties: Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter into the skillet, flattening each slightly with the back of the spoon to form patties. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until golden brown and crispy.
- Flip and Finish: Carefully flip each patty and cook the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until equally golden and cooked through.
- Drain Excess Oil: Transfer cooked patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat: Continue cooking remaining batter in batches, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve Warm: Serve the patties warm, optionally with sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Add extra flavor by stirring in chopped green onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- These patties pair wonderfully with sour cream or a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo or hot sauce.
- Make smaller-sized patties to serve as bite-sized appetizers for parties or gatherings.
- Use vegetable oil or a neutral oil suitable for frying to achieve the best crispy texture.
