Homemade cheese and onion crisp bakes are a deliciously crispy, cheesy treat that is perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal. These golden-brown, crunchy bites are packed with rich cheese and sweet onion flavors, making them an irresistible choice for anyone who loves comfort food. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they are also simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
If you have ever enjoyed crispy potato croquettes or cheesy hash browns, then these cheese and onion crisp bakes will definitely become a new favorite. They have a perfectly crisp coating, a creamy, cheesy filling, and a hint of onion that enhances the overall flavor. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as a vegetarian main course, they are guaranteed to be a hit. Plus, they pair beautifully with a variety of dips, from garlic mayo to tangy ketchup or even a spicy aioli.
One of the best things about homemade cheese and onion crisp bakes is that they are versatile. You can make them with different types of cheese, experiment with seasonings, or even add vegetables to customize them to your liking. They are also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, making them both delicious and practical. If you have never made them before, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create these crunchy, cheesy delights at home.
Ingredients for Homemade Cheese and Onion Crisp Bakes
To make these cheese and onion crisp bakes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
These simple ingredients come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella ensures that the filling is both creamy and stretchy, while the crispy breadcrumb coating gives them an irresistible crunch.
How to Make Cheese and Onion Crisp Bakes
Start by boiling the potatoes until they are soft enough to mash. Once cooked, drain them well and mash until smooth. Removing as much moisture as possible is important, as this will help the crisp bakes hold their shape. Next, finely chop the onion and mix it into the mashed potatoes along with the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Adding onion at this stage allows its sweetness to blend into the filling, creating a rich and savory taste.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley if using. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are fully combined. The mixture should be firm enough to shape into patties. If it feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help it firm up.
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into small, round patties, pressing them gently to ensure they hold together. Each patty should be about half an inch thick for the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center.
Now, prepare the coating station. one bowl, place the flour. another bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of milk. a third bowl, spread out the breadcrumbs. Take each patty and coat it in the flour first, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the surface to help them stick. This three-step coating process ensures that the crisp bakes have a perfectly crunchy crust once fried.
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately, but not so hot that it burns. Carefully place the crisp bakes into the oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and prevent the bakes from crisping properly. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Tips for the Best Cheese and Onion Crisp Bakes
For the best results, make sure the potato mixture is firm enough to hold its shape. If the mixture feels too wet, chilling it for a short time can help. Additionally, using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect blend of flavor and texture. Cheddar provides sharpness, while mozzarella adds a gooey, stretchy quality.
Another important tip is to use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating. While regular breadcrumbs work well, panko adds an extra crunch that makes the crisp bakes even more satisfying. Additionally, making sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying is essential. If the oil is too cold, the crisp bakes will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If it is too hot, they may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked inside.
Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces
Cheese and onion crisp bakes are delicious on their own, but they taste even better when paired with a great dipping sauce. Some excellent options include garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, tangy barbecue sauce, or classic ketchup. You can also serve them with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal.
If you want to serve them as a main course, consider pairing them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. They also work wonderfully as a side dish alongside burgers or grilled sandwiches. Since they are crispy and cheesy, they can complement a wide range of flavors.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, avoid using a microwave, as this can make them soft rather than crispy. Instead, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze cheese and onion crisp bakes before frying. Simply shape the patties, coat them in breadcrumbs, and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, fry them straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: If you are using mashed potatoes from a previous meal, ensure they are cold before mixing. Cold mashed potatoes hold their shape better and make the crisp bakes firmer. Experiment with Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are great choices, you can also try other cheeses like gouda, gruyère, or even blue cheese for a unique flavor. Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Baking Option: If you prefer to bake instead of frying, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the crisp bakes on a lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness. Air Fryer Alternative: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. This method reduces oil while still giving you a crispy texture. Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to add spices such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of mustard powder for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Homemade cheese and onion crisp bakes are a fantastic snack or side dish that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The crispy coating, combined with the creamy, cheesy filling, makes them a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether served as a light meal, an appetizer, or a side dish, they are guaranteed to impress.
The best part about making them at home is that you can customize them to your liking. You can use different types of cheese, adjust the seasoning, or even add extra ingredients like finely chopped bell peppers or herbs for a unique twist. Plus, since they can be frozen before frying, they are a great make-ahead option for quick and easy meals.
If you have never tried making homemade cheese and onion crisp bakes, now is the perfect time to give them a try. Once you taste the combination of crispy breadcrumbs, melted cheese, and sweet onion, you’ll want to make them again and again. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they will love it just as much as you do!
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories Per Serving: ~350
Homemade Cheese and Onion Crisp Bakes – The Perfect Snack
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Try these crispy cheese and onion crisp bakes! A golden, crunchy treat filled with melted cheese and onions, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for coating)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Start by boiling the potatoes until they are soft enough to mash. Once cooked, drain them well and mash until smooth. Removing as much moisture as possible is important, as this will help the crisp bakes hold their shape. Next, finely chop the onion and mix it into the mashed potatoes along with the grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Adding onion at this stage allows its sweetness to blend into the filling, creating a rich and savory taste.
Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley if using. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are fully combined. The mixture should be firm enough to shape into patties. If it feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to help it firm up.
Once the mixture is ready, shape it into small, round patties, pressing them gently to ensure they hold together. Each patty should be about half an inch thick for the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy center.
Now, prepare the coating station. In one bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of milk. In a third bowl, spread out the breadcrumbs. Take each patty and coat it in the flour first, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the surface to help them stick. This three-step coating process ensures that the crisp bakes have a perfectly crunchy crust once fried.
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb dropped in sizzles immediately, but not so hot that it burns. Carefully place the crisp bakes into the oil, frying for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and prevent the bakes from crisping properly. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Notes
- Chill the Mixture Before Shaping: If the potato mixture feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 15-20 minutes before shaping. This helps the crisp bakes hold their form better when frying.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-packaged shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may prevent smooth melting. Freshly grating your cheese will result in a creamier filling.
- Customize with Different Fillings: You can add finely chopped cooked mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a pinch of chili flakes for an extra flavor boost.
- Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: For a crispier exterior, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a lighter, crunchier texture.
- Ensure the Oil is Hot Enough: Before frying, test the oil by dropping a small breadcrumb into it. If it sizzles immediately, it’s ready. If it sinks without bubbling, let the oil heat for a little longer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature stable. Overcrowding the pan can cause the crisp bakes to absorb too much oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
- Make-Ahead and Freeze: If you want to prepare these in advance, shape and coat the crisp bakes, then freeze them before frying. They can be fried straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Dipping Sauces for Extra Flavor: Serve with garlic aioli, honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a yogurt-based dip for a delicious contrast to the crispy texture.
- Baking or Air Frying Option: If you prefer a healthier version, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
