Crispy Parmesan Onion Squares Recipe: A Savory Delight

Crispy parmesan onion squares deliver a mouthwatering appetizer that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Caramelized onions bring deep, rich flavors to every golden-brown bite.

Savory cheese creates a delectable crunch that beckons you closer.

Simple ingredients combine in magical ways to produce something extraordinary.

Each square promises a perfect balance of sweet and salty notes.

Unexpected textures and layers make this snack irresistible.

You cannot resist these delectable bites that will disappear faster than you can plate them.

What’s So Great About Easy Parmesan Onion Squares

  • Savor Quick Prep: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
  • Elevate Comfort Eating: Parmesan onion squares deliver a rich, savory experience with cheese and onion combining to create a mouthwatering flavor profile that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
  • Versatile Serving Option: These squares work wonderfully as a side dish, appetizer, or party snack, adapting easily to different meal settings and complementing various main courses with their delectable texture.
  • Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adding herbs, experimenting with different cheese types, or incorporating additional seasonings to match individual taste preferences and culinary creativity.

Easy Parmesan Onion Squares Ingredient Lineup

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the Parmesan Onion Squares.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, salty flavor and enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
  • Onion: Brings a sweet and sharp flavor that complements the cheesy base.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Milk, Eggs: Work together to bind the ingredients and create a moist, tender texture in the squares.
Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:
  • Baking Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: These seasonings add depth and balance to the overall flavor of the squares.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender, flaky texture in the baked squares.
Optional Ingredients:
  • Dried Herbs: Offer an additional layer of aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Easy Parmesan Onion Squares Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Grab your 9×9-inch baking pan and coat it completely with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking. Set your oven to preheat at 375°F, creating the perfect warm environment for baking.

Step 2: Chop Onions with Precision

Take your onion and slice it into tiny, uniform pieces. The goal is to create delicate bits that will distribute flavor beautifully throughout the entire dish.

Step 3: Create Dry Ingredient Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together to form a consistent, well-blended dry mixture.

Step 4: Work in Butter

Add softened butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to transform the mixture into a crumbly texture that looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Blend Liquid Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk until they become completely smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the liquid blend into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overmix. The batter should just come together without excessive stirring.

Step 7: Add Flavor Boosters

Fold in the chopped onions and any optional dried herbs. Ensure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a smooth top surface.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden-brown top and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 10: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the squares rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This allows them to set and makes cutting easier.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into square portions and serve while still warm. These squares are fantastic alongside soups, salads, or as a standalone appetizer that will impress everyone at the table.

Tips to Improve Parmesan Onion Squares

  • Chop Onions Precisely: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, small pieces that distribute flavor evenly throughout the squares without overwhelming the texture.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined to maintain a tender, light crumb in the final baked dish.
  • Boost Herb Flavor: Experiment with dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano to add depth and complexity to the parmesan onion squares.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter, indicating perfectly baked squares with a golden-brown top.
  • Serve at Ideal Temperature: Enjoy these squares warm for the best texture and most vibrant flavor, pairing wonderfully with soups, salads, or as a standalone appetizer.

Tasty Twists on Parmesan Onion Squares

  • Cheesy Herb Squares: Replace dried herbs with fresh rosemary, thyme, and chives for a vibrant, aromatic flavor profile.
  • Caramelized Onion Variation: Slowly cook onions in butter until golden and sweet before mixing into the batter for deeper, richer taste.
  • Spicy Pepper Jack Squares: Swap parmesan for pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños for a zesty, kick-up-the-heat version.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired savory square.

What to Eat With Parmesan Onion Squares

  • Pair with Crisp White Wines: Select a bright, acidic sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, buttery parmesan onion squares and cleanse the palate.
  • Create Hearty Soup Companions: Serve alongside creamy tomato bisque or robust butternut squash soup, where the squares add a delightful crunchy texture and complementary savory notes.
  • Match with Fresh Salad Greens: Combine with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, providing a zesty contrast to the dense, cheesy onion squares and balancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Enhance with Herb-Infused Dips: Prepare a quick herbed sour cream or garlic aioli for dipping, which will elevate the squares' already complex parmesan and onion flavors with additional herbal undertones.

How to Store Easy Parmesan Onion Squares Right

  • Store cooled Parmesan Onion Squares in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and maintaining their delightful texture.
  • Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, preserving them for up to 1 month for later enjoyment.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed squares in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their crispy edges and bringing back the delicious aroma.
  • Keep squares at room temperature for up to 2 hours if serving during a gathering, ensuring they remain tasty and appetizing for guests.

FAQ for Easy Parmesan Onion Squares

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?

Yes, you can substitute parmesan with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged cheddar for similar results.

  • How finely should I chop the onions?

Dice the onions into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 inch in size to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor throughout the squares.

  • Is it okay to add extra herbs to the recipe?

Absolutely! Dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives can enhance the flavor profile and add extra depth to the parmesan onion squares.

  • What if I don't have a 9×9-inch baking pan?

You can use an 8×8-inch or 9-inch round pan as an alternative.

Print
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Parmesan Onion Squares Recipe


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4.5 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory parmesan onion squares deliver a mouthwatering blend of caramelized onions and rich cheese in a crispy, golden pastry. Guests will devour these elegant appetizers that perfectly balance rustic charm with sophisticated flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 large onion

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk

Seasoning and Leavening:

  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp dried herbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan, ensuring complete surface coverage.
  2. Finely chop the onion into uniform, delicate pieces to distribute flavor evenly throughout the mixture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, parmesan cheese, baking powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a uniform dry base.
  4. Incorporate softened butter into the dry ingredients, using fingertips or a pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
  5. Whisk eggs and milk together in a separate bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  6. Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding until just combined, taking care not to overmix the batter.
  7. Fold the chopped onions and optional dried herbs into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before cutting into square portions.
  11. Serve warm as a savory side dish or appetizer, perfect for accompanying soups or salads.

Notes

  • Slice onions finely and uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution and consistent texture throughout the squares.
  • Allow butter to soften at room temperature for easier incorporation, creating a smoother, more cohesive batter with minimal mixing.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or gruyère to customize the flavor profile and add complexity to the dish.
  • Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an elevated aromatic experience that complements the onion’s natural sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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