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)

4.77 from 125 votes

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

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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

« Older Comments

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.

What can I substitute for French's fried onions? ›

Easy French Fried Onion Alternatives for Green Bean Casserole
  • Butter + Ritz cracker crumbs.
  • Coarsely crushed potato chips.
  • Butter + Corn Flakes cereal crumbs.
  • Butter + Panko breadcrumbs with a dash of added garlic powder and/or onion powder to taste.
Nov 23, 2023

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.

Why are my fried onions not crispy? ›

For onion crisps, you need to deep fry in plenty of oil, as the comments suggest. You should take care that your onion slices of pieces are the same size. Deep fry until golden, then remove from oil and drain well. You should be able to crisp onions in a few minutes.

Are fried onions healthier than french fries? ›

In terms of healthiness, regular fries are often considered a better option than onion rings because they tend to be lower in calories and fat. However, both options are high in unhealthy fats and calories, so it's best to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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

The more fat in the pan, the more the onions will fry rather than soften. (Okay, you can fry them a little.) You can use just oil, or a combination of butter and oil—the choice is yours! If you pack too many onions into your pan, they'll steam and produce water.

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.

Why put onions in milk before frying? ›

Soaking the onions helps dilute their sulfur content, taking away that pungent, raw bite and leaving you with a pleasant, milder onion that still has some snap to it. Cuisine At Home also recommends maintaining ultimate crispiness by double-dipping the onions in buttermilk and seasoned flour.

What does soaking onions in milk do? ›

The vinegar soak did rid the onions of much of their burn, but it was replaced by an equally strong sour taste, even after thorough rinsing. Milk was also very effective at removing the sulfur compounds, but it left the onions tasting washed-out.

Why add salt when frying onions? ›

The salt helps bring the moisture out of the onions. It will help them cook down and brown up a little bit faster, so you get a nicer, deeper, browner flavor. They sweat a little bit with the salt.

How long do French's crispy fried onions last? ›

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. For optimal taste and flavor, we recommend that you consume our product by the "Best By" date on the package.

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.

Should French's crispy fried onions be refrigerated after opening? ›

Storing French Fried Onions:

Informed storage practices are crucial to maintain their taste and crispy texture. Once opened, keeping them in a cool, dry place or refrigerated in an airtight container is recommended to extend their shelf life and preserve quality.

Do French fried onions have MSG? ›

This product is likely msg free.

Are French fried onions healthy? ›

French fried onions can be a delicious addition to various dishes, but it's essential to consider their nutritional value. While they may add crunch and flavor to your meals, they are high in calories, fat, and sodium. However, they also provide some key nutrients like dietary fiber and iron.

What are canned French fried onions? ›

French's® Crispy Fried Onions are made with only carefully sourced, whole yellow globe onions, not from by-products, to deliver an exceptional texture and craveable flavor. Our fresh onions are fried in trans-fat-free oil, immediately after cutting to maintain their natural sweetness and pungency.

Are pan fried onions healthy? ›

That said, baked and sautéed onions contain slightly higher levels of quercetin, the antioxidant that is linked to many health benefits. At the end of the day, both raw and cooked onions are a nutritious addition to your food.

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