Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (2024)

Published: Last Updated: by Marye 1158 words. | About 6 minutes to read this article.

Homemade French fried onions are super crispy with lots of flavor and a tongue-tingling kick from optional Cajun seasonings. The crunchy texture is perfect on your green bean casserole! They're much easier to make than you might think!

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 13 minutes mins

Jump to Recipe

You'll never have to make a quick run to the store the day before Thanksgiving when you've got this easy recipe at your fingertips! SO convenient - and better than store bought.

Perfect on top of all your favorite casseroles and soups!

Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (1)
Table of Contents
  • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
  • 🧾Ingredients
  • 🔪Instructions
  • 🎥 Video
  • 🥫 Storage
  • 💭 Tips
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

OMG these are amazing...

OMG these are amazing! My husband is a glutard, so I substituted GF flour, and they came out SO much better than any other recipe I've tried. THANK YOU!

Elena

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

  • better than the original crispy fried onions
  • perfect to top casseroles and for salad toppings
  • don't do Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner without them!

Quick, easy, and money saving!

These are so delicious with that crunch texture we all love - and no worries about the store being sold out during the holidays.

After all, what's green bean casserole without those crispy fried onions on top?

🧾Ingredients

  • Tony Chachere's Seasoning is a spicy blend that I add to the flour -there's a link in the recipe or you might like to try my copycat Tony Chachere's seasoning.. You can substitute salt and pepper if you like.
  • Peanut Oil is my favorite for frying as long as there are no allergies. It's got a high smoke point and fries clean and crispy. Other oils to use are: safflower, grape seed, or canola.

🔪Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below. Click on the image to see it full size.

Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (3)

You'll find the instructions for frying, air frying, and baking in the printable card at the bottom of the page.

  1. Slice white onions very thin and soak in buttermilk about 10 minutes.
  2. Mix the flour and the seasoning.
  3. Drain the onions dredge in the flour mixture.
  4. Let sit for about 5 minutes before frying.
Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (4)
  1. Heat oil to 375F. Fry a few at a time in hot oil.
  2. Remove when they are golden brown. They will crisp more as they cool.

Note: I used to have air fryer instructions but I have removed them because the quality is just not there.

🎥 Video

🥫 Storage

Homemade French fried onions can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a couple of days. Here's how -

  1. Cool completely.
  2. Store in an airtight container.
  3. Crisp back up (if needed) in a 375F oven for 5 minutes or so - watch carefully!

💭 Tips

Expert Tip: The trick for copycat French's fried onions is to slice the onions super thin and fry them until they are crispy but not burnt.

  • Deep frying in oil is the best way to make fried onions. Air fryer and oven methods are ok but not as good as frying.
  • Use a large mild onion like a 1015 onion.
  • Let them soak in the buttermilk longer if the onions are very strong.
  • Drain as much buttermilk as possible off the onions before dredging in the flour.
  • If you don't have buttermilk you can use regular milk.
  • Use these crispy fried onion strings on top of any casserole the way you would with Durkee or French's.
  • Grind them into crumbs and use them to coat the chicken.
  • Homemade French fried onions are fabulous on burgers and hot dogs!
  • Eat for a snack.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this recipe.

Can these be made gluten-free?

They can! Just substitute GF flour for the all-purpose flour. It couldn't be easier! Be sure to double-check any seasonings you add for gluten.

How should I store them - are they shelf stable?

You can store them in an airtight container in a cool pantry for a day or two if you've been sure to cook them thoroughly. You may need to crisp them back up for a few minutes in an air fryer or oven.

Can I make these a day or two in advance? Do they stay crispy?

Yes. Just be sure to drain well and blot off as much oil as possible, let them cool completely, and store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I make these vegan?

Absolutely. Just use oat milk or other plant-based milk with a tablespoon of vinegar per cup.

Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (5)
  • Baked French Onion Chicken
  • Onion Cheese Yeast Bread Recipe
  • Green Bean Casserole
  • Southern Pecan Pie Recipe {with Karo Syrup}
  • Oven Roasted Quail: Quick Romantic Dinner
  • Bacon Brussels Sprouts
  • Whipped Sweet Potatoes

See more Thanksgiving Recipes →

📞 The last word

A few years ago Thanksgiving came and I was madly throwing things together trying to get everything done. I realized at the very last minute that I did not have the crispy onions for the top of the green bean casserole.

Quelle horreur!

I did what any red-blooded American foodie would do... I had a meltdown.

Once that was out of the way I figured out how to make my own copycat French's onions. And I like them SO much better.

I will never go back to the store-bought French fried onions again. These are so good!

We love them on top of this crack chicken chili.

📖 Recipe

Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (10)

Crispy French Fried Onions (Copycat French's Onions) from Scratch

Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Homemade French fried onions are super crispy with lots of flavor and a tongue-tingling kick from optional Cajun seasonings. The crunchy texture is perfect on your green bean casserole! They're much easier to make than you might think!

Course Condiments and Spices,Side Dish

Cuisine Amercian Heritage

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes minutes

Servings:12

Calories:127

Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds onions, peeled and sliced paper thin
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups flour, all-purpose
  • 3 tablespoons Creole Seasoning (Tony Chachere’s), or your favorite seasoning
  • Peanut oil for frying, (I like this best, if there is an allergy any other oil with a high smoke point can be used.)

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Heat the deep fryer up to 375F.

  • Mix the flour and the Tony Chachere's Creole Seasoning in a large bowl.

  • Add the onions to the buttermilk in a separate bowl and let stand for 10 minutes.

  • Drain and then dredge in the flour.

  • Shake off excess flour.

  • Fry, a few at a time, until golden brown and crisp.

  • Drain on paper towels.

  • Store in an airtight container.

Notes

Tips

  • The trick is to slice the onions super thin and fry them until they are crispy but not burnt. You don't want onion rings, you want them to be crispy all the way through so you have that classic crunch.
  • Drain as much buttermilk as possible off the onions before dredging in the flour.
  • If you don't have buttermilk you can use regular milk.
  • Use these on top of any casserole the way you would with Durkee or French's.
  • Grind them into crumbs and use them to coat chicken.
  • Fabulous on burgers and hot dogs!
  • Eat for a snack.

Can these French fried onions be made gluten-free?

They can! Just substitute gluten-free flour for the flour in the recipe. It couldn't be easier! Be sure to double-check any seasonings you add for gluten.

Storage:

Store French-fried onions in an airtight container in a cool pantry for a day or two. Make sure you've cooked them thoroughly. You may need to crisp them back up for a few minutes in an air fryer or oven.

For safety's sake, it's probably better to put them in the fridge if you are going to keep them longer and crisp them up when ready to use again.

You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 127kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 184mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 5.1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1.2mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

First published November 2015. Last updated September 4, 2023 for editorial improvements.

More Basic Kitchen Skills and Recipes

  • Creole Mustard Substitutes
  • How to Reheat Biscuits in the Air Fryer
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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them. She's been around the culinary block more than once, turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering masterpieces. With a sprinkle of humor and a dash of wit, she makes cooking feel like a piece of cake (which she can also teach you to bake perfectly). When she's not conjuring up delicious dishes, you might find her sharing laughs with her family, reading by the fire, or scribbling down her next big recipe idea. Marye believes that a good meal and a hearty laugh are the best parts of life. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Cindy

    Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (15)
    These are so good with your campfire sauce recipe!

    Reply

  2. Camden

    I'm surprised to see how easy it is to make french fried onions at home!

    Reply

  3. Alyssa

    These french fried onions would be perfect on top of a cheeseburger! Can't wait to give these a try!

    Reply

  4. Kristen

    Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (16)
    Do you think I could make a gluten free version of this french fried onions recipe? My daughter and I both have gluten allergies, and every Thanksgiving and Christmas I spend a million dollars on the store-bought gluten free version--let alone trying to even track it down! I wonder if it would be cheaper and tastier if I made it at home!

    Reply

  5. Kristen

    Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (17)
    Do you think I could make a gluten free version of this recipe? My daughter and I both have gluten allergies, and every Thanksgiving and Christmas I spend a million dollars on the store-bought gluten free version--let alone trying to even track it down! I wonder if it would be cheaper and tastier if I made it at home!

    Reply

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Copycat French's Fried Onions Recipe from Scratch (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in French's fried onions? ›

Ingredients: Onions, Palm Oil, Wheat Flour, Salt & Dextrose. No preparation necessary. French's® Crispy Fried Onions are versatile and ready to use to inspire chef creativity.

Is there a substitute for French fried onions? ›

Reach for another crunchy pantry item...

"In lieu of crispy French fried onions on top of your casserole, try a different crunchy topping instead," Lonergan says. Lonergan suggests: Butter + Ritz cracker crumbs. Coarsely crushed potato chips.

Why do you need to soak onions before frying? ›

Optional: Soak onions in ice water for 15 minutes and pat them completely dry before frying. This neutralizes the flavors and brings out a hint of sweetness instead of a harsher bite. It also makes them a bit crunchier. Place cooling racks over a baking sheet next to where you'll be frying.

Who makes French's fried onions? ›

French's® Crispy Fried Onions are America's #1 brand of crispy onions. In everything we do, from sourcing the finest ingredients to maintaining our time-honored recipes, McCormick has been committed to excellence and to enhancing the dining experience for more than 100 years.

Can you use butter instead of oil to fry onions? ›

Heat oil or butter over medium-high heat until hot in a large skillet or pan. Use about 1 Tbsp. fat per small to medium onion (you can use just about any fat). If you want to sauté onions without oil, use a nonstick pan and add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to help keep onions from sticking.

What oil do you use to fry onions? ›

Olive oil or coconut oil is my choice. The reason for this is I like to caramelize my onions - cooking them until they are golden or even deep brown. If you use unclarified butter for this, before the onions are finished, the milk solids in the butter will tend to burn, changing the flavour of the onions.

Can you buy ready made fried onions? ›

Much like potato chips or hot dogs, supermarket fried onions are perfect, full stop. There are a few styles to be aware of and all are superb: French's, the American original and the largest of them all, lightly dusted with some kind of starchy fairy sprinkle that makes them supremely crunchy.

Can I buy French fried onions? ›

French's Original Crispy Fried Onions are made with real onions for incredible taste and that classic crunch - with no GMOs or artificial flavour. Toss em' on your burgers, salads and more for an exciting pop of crunch and onion flavouring.

Why are they called French fried onions? ›

The "french-fried" part of the name really refers to the cooking method being similar to french fries, that is being deep fried in oil. Records suggest that the first recipe was created in 1904, but by whom is unknown. It did use real onions, though, and still does.

What does vinegar do to onions? ›

Then you just have to wait long enough for the vinegar to do its job, rinsing away the harsh sulfurous compounds, softening the onion, and giving it a pleasantly tart pop of flavor. If you use red wine vinegar, my personal favorite, the onions also turn an amazing hot-pink color.

What does soaking onions in milk do? ›

We've often heard the claim that soaking sliced or chopped raw onions in liquid can mellow their harsh taste by drawing out the pungent sulfur compounds known as thiosulfinates that are produced when the onion is cut.

Should you salt onions before frying? ›

Usually this fat is a neutral oil such as grapeseed oil, but can also be olive oil, butter/ghee, or bacon fat. I always start my onions with a pinch of salt to draw out the liquid, which helps encourage the onions to soften.

What are the ingredients in French's crispy fried onions? ›

Ingredients. Onions, Palm Oil, Wheat Flour, Dextrose & Salt.

Do French's crispy fried onions go bad? ›

You should follow the recipe as usual but to ensure the onions will stay crispy, we recommend that you do not place the onions on top until you are ready to reheat. What is the shelf life of French's® French Fried Onions? The shelf life of French's® French Fried Onions is 18 months from the date of manufacture.

Are crispy onions the same as French fried onions? ›

Crisp fried onions

Crispy deep fried onions are called "French fried onions" in Southern cooking of the United States. Smaller and irregularly shaped (from being deep-fried until they are crunchy) onions are an integral part of the American dish green bean casserole.

Does French's fried onions have MSG? ›

This product is likely msg free.

Are fried onions healthier than french fries? ›

Actually, French Fries are still healthier than Onion Rings. French Fries have relatively lower calories, higher fiber, lower sugar, and lower fat. French Fries also have more vitamins and minerals. On the other hand, Onion Rings are very high in calories and fat.

What are the active ingredients in onions? ›

The major bioactive compounds of onion are sulfur-containing compounds, such as onionin A and cysteine sulfoxides, as well as the phenolic compounds, such as rutin, quercetin, and quercetin glucosides (Figure 2).

What are canned French fried onions? ›

Description. French's Original Crispy Fried Onions are made with real onions for incredible flavor and that classic crunch. Toss 'em onto green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, burgers and salads for an exciting pop of crunch and taste the whole family will love.

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