28 Ways to Use French-Fried Onions

Updated on Sep. 16, 2024

Take the irresistibly crunchy texture of French-fried onions beyond Thanksgiving dinner with these apps, mains and side dishes.

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1/28

Blue Cheese-Mushroom Stuffed Tenderloin

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s my go-to entree for just about any special occasion. Filled with a savory stuffing, the sliced tenderloin looks and tastes like a specialty from an upscale restaurant. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 499 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 636mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 52g protein.

Check out these other delicious onion recipes.

2/28

Sassy Southwest Stuffed Shells

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: When I was a child, my mom made this dish quite often. When I came across her recipe on an index card, I quickly copied it. Over the years, I have made very few changes to retain that taste-of-home memory. —Kellie Braddell, West Point, California
Nutrition Facts: 3 stuffed shells: 487 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 1181mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
3/28

Elegant Green Beans

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Mushrooms and water chestnuts give new life to the ordinary green bean casserole. Every time I make it for friends, I'm asked to share the recipe. —Linda Poe, Sandstone, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 218 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 392mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
4/28

Caliente Christmas Cheese Crisps

Total Time 40 min
Servings 10 servings (about 3-1/2 dozen)
From the Recipe Creator: To fire up the crowd, I pack these homemade crackers with bacon, pumpkin seeds and French-fried onion rings. Dunk them in picante sauce. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 4 crisps: 217 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 249mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
5/28

Mushroom Pea Casserole

Total Time 35 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my go-to side dishes that my whole family loves. It's great with chicken, ham, beef and pork; in fact, I haven't found anything it isn't delicious with. —Lisa Lyons, Westerville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 163 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 330mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
6/28

Beef and Mushrooms with Smashed Potatoes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I was inspired to make this recipe after I couldn't stop thinking of a similar dish served in my elementary school cafeteria more than 50 years ago! I like that it's quick to make, and my husband and grandchildren love it. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 517 calories, 26g fat (12g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 896mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein.

7/28

Tasty Onion Chicken

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The secret to this French onion chicken is the yummy, crunchy coating that keeps the meat juicy and tender. Round out your meal with green beans and buttermilk biscuits. —Jennifer Hoeft, Thorndale, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken breast half: 460 calories, 36g fat (18g saturated fat), 124mg cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.

8/28

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone who has tasted these cheesy mashed potatoes asks how to make them. Since this comforting casserole bakes at the same temperature as my chicken bundles, I get it started in the oven and pop in the entree a little later. —Brad Moritz, Limerick, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 328 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 633mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.

9/28

Greek-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With a truckload of acorn squash in my pantry, I wanted to make stuffed squash in lots of different ways. A bottle of Greek seasoning got my creativity flowing. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 335 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
10/28

Baked Shepherd's Casserole

Total Time 1 hour 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: All my kids are grown and most are married, but they often come home for Sunday dinner, and their most requested meal is this casserole. When you get several people in the kitchen chopping, slicing and preparing, it comes together super fast—and you get to catch up on all the family happenings. —Beverly Matthews, Richland, Washington
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/4 cups: 298 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein.
11/28

Broccoli Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
12/28

Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole

Total Time 5 hours 50 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
13/28

Makeover Tater-Topped Casserole

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I love Tater Tot casserole, but wanted a lighter version of the recipe. The Taste Recipes Test Kitchen slashed the fat in this classic dish, while keeping all the Tots my family loves. Who know you could have healthy Tater Tots?! —Scott Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 340 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein.
14/28

Cheddar Chili Burgers

Total Time 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Big, bold chili and french-fried onions are a fun alternative to the classic burger fixings of ketchup and mustard. The patties are easy to assemble, making this a great weeknight sandwich. —Sue Ross, Casa Grande, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 584 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1081mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 34g protein.
15/28

Easy Onion Crescent Rolls

Total Time 20 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a deliciously easy way to dress up a tube of crescent roll dough. These golden bites are one of our favorite recipes—and they're a nice addition to any buffet. We like them so much, I usually triple the recipe. —Barbara Nowakowski, North Tonawanda, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 181 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 311mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
16/28

Cheesy BBQ Beef Dip

Total Time 30 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Barbecued beef dip is a holiday staple in our house. My husband can't get enough! —Selena Swafford, Dalton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 279 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 578mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
17/28

Broccoli Potato Supreme

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My family insists that this two-in-one casserole makes an appearance at all of our special meals. Every bite is doubly delicious! —Jane Birch, Edison, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 276 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 605mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
18/28

Hawaiian Bacon & Pineapple Breakfast Bake

Total Time 55 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Sweet meets savory in this fun twist on the typical breakfast casserole. It's great for parties and potlucks because you can make it the night before. —Katie Osborn, Toledo, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 308 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 167mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
19/28

Baked Chops and Cottage Fries

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Convenience items like frozen vegetables, cottage fries and a jar of cheese sauce make it a snap to assemble this comforting pork chop supper. It's a simple one-dish meal. —Gregg Voss, Emerson, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 533 calories, 28g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1208mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 38g protein.
20/28

Stuffing Crust Turkey Potpie

Total Time 55 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Here's a wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs dish that slices well since the filling is thicker than that of traditional potpies. Prebaking the crust makes it crunchy.—Tamara Furda, Naperville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 389 calories, 20g fat (9g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
21/28

Monterey Spaghetti

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I'm a working mother with two young boys. Our family leads a very active life, so I make a lot of casseroles. It's so nice to have a hearty side dish the kids will eat. Topped with cheese and french-fried onions, this tasty spaghetti casserole recipe is a hit at our house. —Janet Hibler, Cameron, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 311 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 333mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
22/28

Penne and Smoked Sausage

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This pasta is a must-try smoked sausage recipe. It just tastes so good when it’s hot and bubbly from the oven. The cheddar french-fried onions lend a cheesy, crunchy touch. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 553 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1425mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.

Seriously, we can’t get enough of some delicious french onion pasta.

23/28

Chicken and Dumplings

Total Time 1 hour 35 min
Servings 8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator: Homemade chicken and dumplings from scratch hearken back to my childhood and chilly days when we devoured those cute little balls of dough swimming in hot, rich broth. It's one of those types of soup you'll want to eat again and again. —Erika Monroe-Williams, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 470 calories, 24g fat (8g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 892mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.

24/28

Teriyaki Pork Tacos

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Flour tortillas take an Asian-style twist when filled with flavorful teriyaki pork strips, mandarin oranges, lettuce and crispy french-fried onions. —Jodi Nobile, Scotia, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 472 calories, 17g fat (4g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 976mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 3g fiber), 29g protein.
25/28

Broccoli Beef Supper

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables, so I'm constantly on the lookout for new ways of preparing it. This casserole is a hearty oven entree. —Connie Bolton, San Antonio, Texas.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 420 calories, 22g fat (9g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 529mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 18g protein.

26/28

Mashed Potato Pancakes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: What a great way to use up any remaining mashed potatoes! These light cakes cook up golden brown and have a wonderful butter-and-onion flavor. Kids and adults alike will love our Test Kitchen’s spin on a classic!
Nutrition Facts: 2 each: 155 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 525mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.

27/28

Tater Tot Casserole

Total Time 45 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I like to make this Tater Tot casserole when time before supper is short. If we have unexpected company, I just double the ingredients and use a 13x9-in. pan. I call it my Please Stay Casserole! —Jean Ferguson, Elverta, California
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 570 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 1357mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein.

28/28

Mac and Cheese Bites

Total Time 45 min
Servings 3 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Young relatives were coming for a Christmas party, so I wanted something fun for them to eat. To my surprise, it was the adults who devoured these mini mac and cheese bites. —Kate Mainiero, Elizaville, New York
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 91 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 162mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.