Name: Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 medium onions, thinly sliced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 egg; 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella); Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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If you’re searching for a savory bake that’s pure comfort and always vanishes at gatherings, let me introduce you to Grandma’s Onion Squares. These nostalgic, golden bites harness the magic of buttery crescent roll dough, sweet sautéed onions, creamy sour cream, and gooey cheese all in one compact, satisfying square. Whether warm out of the oven or served at room temp, they’re dependable crowd-pleasers with that just-one-more-bite effect you expect from a beloved family recipe. Don’t be surprised if these squares become your go-to appetizer or brunch treat—they’re as easy to adore as they are to make!

Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Grandma’s Onion Squares is how these simple pantry staples transform into something richly layered and irresistible. Each ingredient serves a specific role, so even if you’re tempted to swap something, know that every one adds a note to the final harmony.

Refrigerated crescent roll dough: The secret shortcut for the tender, flaky base—no kneading required!
Butter: Gently sautés the onions to golden, flavor-packed perfection.
Onions: The star—when cooked down, they deliver sweet aroma and depth.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the onions and bringing the flavors alive.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and balances the sweetness of the onion.
Dried thyme or Italian seasoning: Layers in a whiff of herbs for a cozy finish; use your favorite.
Sour cream: Lends a creamy tang that binds everything together.
Egg: Helps set the filling so your squares hold together with the perfect texture.
Shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella): Melts into those lovely, stretchy strands on top—Swiss brings nutty richness, mozzarella keeps things mild and gooey.
Chopped chives or parsley (optional): A scatter of green adds color and a fresh, herbal pop at serving time.

How to Make Grandma’s Onion Squares

Step 1: Prepare the Crescent Roll Crust

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), because we want that crust to bake up golden and flaky. Unroll the package of crescent roll dough and press it gently into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, making sure to pinch the seams together to create one unified crust. Don’t stress about perfection—patchwork is part of the charm! This bottom layer will get gorgeously crisp beneath all that creamy onion magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Slide in those thinly sliced onions and give them an occasional stir while they soften. After about 10–12 minutes, they should look translucent to light gold and smell absolutely heavenly. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and your chosen dried herbs. These simple steps turn onions from sharp to sweet and mellow, building the core flavor for Grandma’s Onion Squares.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling

Whisk together the sour cream and egg in a small bowl—this duo is what transforms the tender onions into a lush, spoonable filling. Once the onions have cooled just a bit, stir them into the mixture so everything is evenly coated. This will ensure every bite is packed with sweet, creamy onion flavor and that luscious, set-in-place texture after baking.

Step 4: Assemble and Cheese It Up

Dollop the onion mixture onto your prepared crescent crust and spread it to the edges so every corner is covered. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cheese is what gives Grandma’s Onion Squares their signature melt-and-pull factor—and it browns up beautifully for that irresistible, golden top.

Step 5: Bake and Slice

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are puffed and golden and the center looks set (no more wobbly filling). Let it cool for just a few minutes so you can handle cutting it into neat squares—just enough time for your kitchen to fill with that cozy, buttery aroma. If you like, top it with a shower of fresh herbs for color and a little fresh zing.

How to Serve Grandma’s Onion Squares

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or parsley on top of Grandma’s Onion Squares before serving to add a pop of color and a blast of freshness. For a little more punch, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a drizzle of hot honey can give your squares a unique signature touch. Garnishes not only look stunning, but they truly do wake up all the rich savory flavors within each bite.

Side Dishes

These onion squares are fantastic as a stand-alone snack, but they’re also the perfect companion for a simple green salad or a big brunch spread. Pair them with a crisp arugula salad, a bowl of tomato soup, or a creamy potato dish to round out a meal. They also shine alongside a platter of roasted veggies or sliced fresh fruit if you’re looking to keep things light and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Grandma’s Onion Squares for a party, try cutting them into bite-sized pieces and spearing each with a toothpick—a total hit for passed appetizers. For something a bit fancier, arrange them in a circular pattern on a wooden board and tuck piles of olives, roasted nuts, or charcuterie in between. They even work as a brunch base; top each square with a poached egg or a few crumbles of bacon for an extra decadent twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have a few squares left (lucky you)? Pop them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment between layers to keep them from sticking together. Their flavor remains delicious, and the texture stays surprisingly crisp—making them perfect for snacking the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Grandma’s Onion Squares! Once cooled, layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange the squares on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it softens the crust. If microwaving is your only option, use 50 percent power for short intervals to gently bring them back to temp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Appetizer, Side Dish

Absolutely! While Swiss and mozzarella are classic options for their melt and flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or even smoked provolone for different tastes. Just be sure to use a cheese that melts well for that oozy, irresistible top.

Is there a way to make Grandma’s Onion Squares gluten-free?

You can! Try swapping in your favorite gluten-free crescent dough or pie crust, which you can now find at most stores. The filling ingredients are already gluten-free, so just keep an eye on the base and you’re set.

Do I have to caramelize the onions or just sauté them?

The recipe calls for a good sauté to soften and lightly brown the onions, but if you have extra time, slowly caramelizing them adds even more sweet depth. It’s not required, but it’s a fun twist if you want an even richer flavor profile.

What occasions are these onion squares best for?

Grandma’s Onion Squares shine at potlucks, brunches, family dinners, and holiday gatherings. They travel well, taste great at room temperature, and always get showered with compliments no matter the occasion.

Can I add any extras into the filling?

Feel free to make them your own! A handful of cooked, crumbled bacon, diced bell peppers, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs mixed into the onions before baking can add some personal flair while keeping the nostalgic feel alive.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain joy in sharing recipes that have been passed from generation to generation, and Grandma’s Onion Squares is exactly that kind of treasure. Whether you’re whipping them up for the first time or the hundredth, there’s just something special about their comforting flavors and buttery layers. I hope you’ll give them a try—let me know if your friends and family fall in love with these irresistible savory squares, too!

Grandma’s Onion Squares Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 squares 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Grandma’s Onion Squares are a delightful appetizer or side dish that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the richness of Swiss cheese, all nestled in a flaky crescent roll crust. These savory squares are easy to make and perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8 oz)

Onion Filling:

2 tablespoons butter
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Creamy Mixture:

1/2 cup sour cream
1 egg
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella)

Garnish:

Chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Dough: Unroll the crescent roll dough and press it into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, sealing the seams to form a crust.
Sauté Onions: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 10–12 minutes until soft and golden. Season with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Make the Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together sour cream and egg. Stir in the cooked onions.
Assemble and Bake: Spread the onion mixture over the dough. Top with cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden. Cool, then cut into squares. Garnish with herbs.