Parmesan Onion Squares are an easy-to-make appetizer with a light oniony flavor, a crisp yet creamy texture, and a tiny and unexpected touch of sweetness that everyone loves!
It seems whenever I'm planning an occasion when appetizers are to be served, these Parmesan Onion Squares always make an appearance. And rightly so.
This easy cheesy appetizer recipe is one I've been making for what feels like forever because whenever I serve them they're always a hit!
Jump to:
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Always popular and ready to party!
- Can Parmesan Onion Appetizers be made in advance?
- Can I substitute anything for the cocktail bread?
- Where to find cocktail bread in the store?
- Is the onion overpowering in this recipe?
- Can a different sweetener be used in place of the sugar?
- Potential sugar substitutes:
- At what temperature should these appetizers be served?
- The easy instructions:
- How to make Parmesan Appetizer Squares:
- Additional appetizer recipe you'll enjoy:
- Printable Recipe Card
The ingredient list:
**Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment (highlighted in blue) contain affiliate links for your consideration and shopping convenience.
- Parmesan Cheese (preferably Parmigiano Reggiano)
- Grated Onion
- Mayonnaise
- Sugar
- Dried Basil
- Dried Oregano
- Salt and Pepper
- Cocktail Party Bread
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- Box Grater or Food Processor
- Mixing Bowls
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Measuring Cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoons or Spatulas
- Offset Spatula or Butter Knife
- Serving Platter
Always popular and ready to party!
Even Santa is happy when these Parmesan Onion Squares appetizers make their appearance at a party or gathering! 🙂 The photo below is from 2013.
Can Parmesan Onion Appetizers be made in advance?
- Yes! I even recommend it! However, it's not the end of the world if it doesn't happen.
- Mix up the spread in advance and refrigerate until you're ready to spread it on the bread and bake.
- This can be done up to 48 hours in advance of spreading and baking.
Can I substitute anything for the cocktail bread?
- Yes!
- Substitute a thinly sliced baguette or even crackers will work in a pinch.
Where to find cocktail bread in the store?
- I always find mine in the deli section of the grocery store. If you don't see them readily, ask someone. I've seen them in rye and sourdough flavors. I've used both for this recipe.
- I've also left an affiliate link for the cocktail bread (aka party square bread) if you're unable to find them in your area.
Is the onion overpowering in this recipe?
Nope! Not at all!!
The reason I've added that little touch of sugar into the mix (which may seem surprising) is to take away a lot of that pungent onion bite, leaving only a mild and mellow onion flavor that combines so nicely with the Parmesan cheese.
Can a different sweetener be used in place of the sugar?
Yes, by all means use what you like.
Just remember to taste-as-you-go, and when you're happy with the sweetness level, call it a day.
These cheesy appetizers aren't meant to be sweet, just sweet enough to take away a little of the bite from the onion.
That said, the sugar (or sweetener) can be left out entirely if you enjoy a strong onion flavor. Totally your call.
Potential sugar substitutes:
- honey
- agave
- coconut sugar
- swerve
- monk fruit powder
At what temperature should these appetizers be served?
These wonderful little appetizers can be served hot, warm, or at room temperature making them perfect for any sort of party!
The easy instructions:
- Mix everything in a medium bowl, except the cocktail bread.
- Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan mixture evenly onto the cocktail bread squares.
- Place them on a baking sheet and pop them into a preheated 400-degree oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until they're all puffed and golden.
How to make Parmesan Appetizer Squares:
Additional appetizer recipe you'll enjoy:
- Cream Cheese and Salami Spread with Dill Pickles (pictured below)
Crave-Worthy Cream Cheese Salami Pickle Dip is a quick and easy update of the salami and pickle pinwheel appetizers of the past, but this updated version is faster, easier, and has a bigger kick of flavor.
- Creamy Egg Salad Canapes
- Spinach and Artichoke Squares
- Honey and Sesame Seed Crackers
- Corn and Black Bean Dip
- Patty Melt Dip (pictured below)
Everything you love about a patty melt sandwich is in this easy to make Patty Melt Dip. It’s sure to be a real crowd-pleaser at your next party or celebration!
- Cranberry Orange Meatballs from Sugar and Soul
- Ham And Cheese Croissant Bites from Coffee with Us 3
- Cheesy Polenta Fries from Jenni Field's Pastry Chef Online
- Cuban Sausage Pinwheels from Sweet and Savory Meals
- Parmesan Onion Squares Appetizers (pictured below) THIS IS THE PLACE!!
When you make this recipe, and I hope you do, I'd appreciate it if you'd take a moment to leave a star rating on the recipe card and briefly comment on why you rated it as you did. FYI - Google appreciates recipe ratings and, in turn, will share my recipes with more people. Thank you so much!!
Printable Recipe Card
Parmesan Onion Appetizer Squares
Equipment
- Offset spatula optional
Ingredients
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1½ cup Parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- 3 tablespoons grated onion
- ½ teaspoon salt
- pinch black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 30 party cocktail bread
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400-degrees.
- Mix the first 8 ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.
- Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan mixture evenly onto the cocktail bread and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the Parmesan Onion Appetizer Squares are golden in color.
- Remove and serve hot, warm, or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this super easy and tasty appetizer recipe for Parmesan Onion Squares as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!!
Kate says
Can the mixture be made ahead of time & just stored in an airtight container or will make them too oniony?!
Renée says
Hi, Kate!
You can definitely make the cheesy topping in advance. I wouldn't do it more than two days ahead though.
I hope this is helpful. Enjoy the recipe!
Have a great day!
Renee
Lori says
Can you substitute yogurt for the mayo?
Renée says
Hello, Lori.
You can, but it naturally will give a different, tangier, taste to the finished appetizers.
I'd go with a full-fat plain Greek yogurt (for consistency).
I hope this is helpful. Let me know how it works for you.
Fondly,
Renee
Samantha Dawn says
So easy and flavourful! We can't wait for our next party to pull these out again.
wilhelmina says
Delicious!! I love these for snacking, but they are o good I can easily make a meal of them!
Ricky Shoemake says
Hi, I was wondering if I could use Vidalia Onions? They are my favorite to use for recipes.
Renée says
Sure! I often use Vidalia onions. But when I do, I cut back on the sugar just a pinch. However, that's your call. If you like things a little sweeter add all the sugar.
Enjoy the recipe. I know you'll love these!
Renee
Ashley F says
I love these type of appetizers! So easy and flavorful! Definitely a plus that I can make them ahead of time!
Renée says
Glad you like the recipe, Ashley! Enjoy!!
Aggie says
These are my favorite types of appetizers - I love those cocktail breads! Such a crowd pleaser!
Renée says
You are a girl after my own heart, Aggie! Glad you like them too!
Renee
Kathy says
Silly question but I don’t know what constitutes “cocktail bread”?
Renée says
Not silly at all because, sadly, cocktail bread is not widely recognized. It's a small loaf of bread (I find mine in the deli section of the grocery store) and the slices are like 2" x 2". Ask in the deli section and they'll be able to help you. I also left the Amazon link for a visual (or to purchase) if needed.
However, you can substitute thin baguette slices or probably even crackers if needed.
Stef says
I can almost smell how good this is just looking at your photos! I can't wait to try this recipe! Thanks!
Renée says
My pleasure. I know you're going enjoy these!
Andie Thueson says
These look so tasty! The perfect game day fare!
Renée says
They really are! Actually, they're perfect for so many occasions. Enjoy!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Renee, I totally agree - I found it odd to post something happy and lighthearted in the wake of such tragedy, but we can't dwell on sadness. We have to move on and be grateful for the family and friends that we have in our lives. As for this appie - oh baby, that looks good! You can't go wrong with onion, mayos and cheese baked on top of carbs 😉 Happy holidays!
Paula says
This is such a great looking appetizer. Oniony, cheesy and served on sourdough cocktail bread...what more could you ask for?
Lovely heartfelt post Renee.
Megan Wood says
YUMMY! This looks delicious.
Conni thefoodiearmywife Smith says
Mmmm! I love oniony appetizers, and I think this looks fantastic!
Laura Hunter says
It is so hard but so important to get back to a sense of normalcy after such a horrific tragedy. And I have to say you have shared a serious winner in my book with this appetizer. I love the flavours.
Katie says
What a yummy flavor combo! Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts says
What a quick and easy recipe that everyone would love!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen says
I LOVE these! I used to make a similar appetizer years ago; thanks for reminding me about them.
Cindys Recipes says
Quick and easy classic flavors! A winner!
german in pdx says
Such a great appetizer. Yum! ~ Bea @ galactopdx
Tara says
They look so golden and delicious!!
Flour On My Face says
These look so good. I love little cocktail sandwiches.
Renee Dobbs says
That tray has my name on it...I'm sure you can see it if you look hard enough. And no, I'm not sharing.
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
YUM! These look and sound fabulous! I love those little cocktail breads!
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious says
A classic...love this! Have you ever tried it with some dill in there?
Judy says
Can these be re-heated?
Judy says
Made these as appetizers for Thanksgiving feast today! More than 40 of them vanished in no time! Will definitely be a tradition from here on out! Thank you!!!