Bill Miller Onion Recipe – Hungarian Chef

by Rebecca Novak published on September 16, 2023

The Bill Miller restaurant chain has been serving delicious dishes to customers since 1956. It all started with one humble hamburger stand in San Antonio, Texas, and has now grown into an iconic chain of Texas-style restaurants.

One of the signature dishes from this eatery is the perfectly roasted Bill Miller onion, a simple side dish that packs a punch of flavor in each savory bite. This is so popular that it’s become a staple on many restaurant menus across the state.

This onion is easy to make but requires some care and attention to get right. The key is to pay attention to the details such as measuring out the ingredients correctly, using the right temperature setting for frying, and the amount of time each side needs to be cooked.

With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn how to get perfectly roasted onions every time, just like they do at Bill Miller’s! Enjoy your delicious onion with family or friends for an unforgettable dinner experience.

Bill Miller Onion Recipe

What is Bill Miller’s Onion?

Bill Miller’s Onion is a unique side dish that consists of thinly sliced onions, fried in vegetable oil until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and creamy inside.

The secret to getting the perfect onion lies in paying attention to detail. You need to get the measurements of each ingredient just right, as well as use the correct temperature for frying.

The onions also need enough time on each side so they can cook evenly and turn golden brown all around. This is an easy-to-make dish and if you pay attention to the details, you can recreate the classic taste of the Bill Miller onion in your own kitchen.

What does it taste like?

The Bill Miller onion has a unique flavor that is both sweet and savory at the same time. The outer layer of the onion is crunchy and golden brown from frying, while the inner layer remains soft and creamy.

The sweetness comes from the buttermilk in which it soaks before being coated with flour and fried. It also has subtle hints of garlic and paprika that give it an extra kick of flavor.

Overall, the onion has a savory taste that’s sure to please any palate. It pairs well with other dishes, such as meat or fish, for a complete meal. Plus, its simplicity makes it a great side dish to bring to potlucks and gatherings!

How did I first get introduced to the Bill Miller Onion?

I first heard about the Bill Miller Onion when I was in college studying in Texas. At the time, my friends and I often visited Bill Miller restaurants to get our fill of Tex-Mex cuisine. The food there was always delicious, but one dish that stood out from all the rest was their perfectly roasted onion.

The taste was unlike anything I had tried before — it was sweet and savory all at the same time. The golden-brown exterior was perfectly crispy while the inside remained soft and creamy. Needless to say, we kept going back for more of this delicious side dish every chance we got!

I eventually decided to try making the onion myself and discovered how easy it is to make with just a few simple ingredients and steps. Now, I can recreate the Bill Miller Onion anytime I want in the comfort of my own kitchen. It always turns out perfectly crispy and delicious — just like it does at the restaurant!

The Bill Miller Onion has become a staple in my kitchen, from potlucks to family dinners. I love how it adds flavor and texture to any dish without much effort. It’s definitely one of my favorite side dishes that I like to serve alongside meats or vegetables for an unforgettable meal.

I always make sure to have the ingredients on hand whenever I get a craving for this delicious onion. It never fails to satisfy my hunger and always brings back fond memories of my college days in Texas!

How to make Bill Miller Onion?

Making Bill Miller Onion is easy! All you need are a few simple ingredients and a few steps to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect onion every time:

Bill Miller Onion Recipe

Ingredients

  • Buttermilk: This ingredient gives the onion a rich and creamy texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: This will help to give the onion a crispy and golden brown exterior.
  • Onions: The star of this dish, onions are necessary for the perfect flavor.
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, and Pepper: These ingredients enhance the flavor of the onions and give them an even more delicious taste.
  • Flour: Flour helps to create a crunchy coating that will make the onion irresistible.

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Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

Prepare the dip

  • In a medium bowl, add the buttermilk and vegetable oil.
  • Hiskutill everything combined.

Step 2

Prepare the onion

  • Peel and cut the onions into 1/2-inch slices.
  • Place the sliced onions in a large mixing bowl, then add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  • Mix until evenly coated.

Step 3

Coat the onion

  • In a separate bowl, add the flour and mix until combined.
  • Take an Onion slice and dip in the buttermilk mixture, then coat with flour mixture.
  • Repeat for all of the onion slices.

Step 4

Fry the onions

  • Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat.
  • Place the onion slices in the skillet and fry until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
  • Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before serving hot.

Tips

  • Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
  • Keep an eye on the onions while they cook, as they can burn easily.
  • Make sure to drain the excess oil from the fried onions before serving.
  • For an extra crunch, add a bit of cornmeal to the flour mixture before coating the onions.
Bill Miller Onion Recipe
Bill Miller Onion Recipe

Bill Miller Onion Recipe

The Bill Miller restaurant chain has been serving delicious dishes to customers since 1956. It all started with one humble hamburger stand in San Antonio, Texas, and has now grown into an iconic chain of Texas-style restaurants. One of the signature dishes from this eatery is the perfectly roasted Bill Miller onion, a simple side dish that packs a punch of flavor in each savory bite. This is so popular that it's become a staple on many restaurant menus across the state.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Snacks
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bill Miller Onion Recipe
Servings: 5 people
Calories: 257kcal
Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

  • 2 bowls
  • whisker
  • Large skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil
  • 2 large onions
  • 3 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions

  • Take a medium-sized bowl and combine the buttermilk and vegetable oil together. Use a whisk to make sure everything is incorporated nicely.
  • Peel and slice the onions into 1/2-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl, then add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Thoroughly mix it all together till everything is well blended.
  • In another bowl, mix together the flour until smooth. Dip each onion slice in one by one into the buttermilk mixture, then cover with a generous amount of flour. Make sure each side is evenly coated.
  • Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and add vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot enough, carefully place all the coated onion slices onto it. Fry them on each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn into a golden-brown hue. Take them out from the skillet and let them cool down for approximately 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Perfectly Roasted Bill Miller Onion!

Notes

  • Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
  • Keep an eye on the onions while they cook, as they can burn easily.
  • Make sure to drain the excess oil from the fried onions before serving.
  • For an extra crunch, add a bit of cornmeal to the flour mixture before coating the onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcal
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Nutrition Information

What to serve with Bill Miller Onion?

Here’s some great ideas on what you can serve with the Bill Miller Onion for a complete meal:

  • Grilled steak and roasted potatoes
  • Fried fish and coleslaw
  • Baked chicken and rice pilaf
  • Barbecue pork ribs and corn on the cob
  • Sauteed vegetables and egg-fried rice

How to store leftover Bill Miller Onion?

Leftover Bill Miller Onion can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container, as this will help absorb any excess oil from the onions. Place them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them again.

When reheating, make sure to use a skillet or oven instead of the microwave. This will help to retain the crispiness and flavor of the onion. Serve them with your favorite dishes for a delicious meal that’s sure to please!

Can pregnant women eat this?

Yes, pregnant women can enjoy the Bill Miller Onion safely. The ingredients used are all safe for expectant mothers to consume as long as they are cooked properly.

The key is to make sure the onions are fried at a high enough temperature so that any bacteria present are eliminated. This will help prevent foodborne illness, which can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women.

Additionally, make sure to store the leftover onions properly and reheat them before eating to ensure that they are safe for consumption. By following these guidelines, pregnant women can safely enjoy this delicious side dish without sacrificing their health or the health of their baby.

FAQs 

How can I make this crispier?

To make the Bill Miller Onion crispier, try adding a bit of cornmeal to the flour mixture before coating. This will create an extra crunchy exterior that’s irresistibly delicious! Additionally, make sure to fry the onions at the right temperature — too low and they won’t get crispy enough, and too high can cause them to burn.

Can I freeze the onion?

No, it is not recommended to freeze the Bill Miller Onion as this can affect the texture and flavor of the dish. Instead, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet or oven until hot. Enjoy!

Can I substitute the buttermilk for something else?

Yes, you can use almond or soy milk as a vegan alternative to buttermilk. Simply mix it with vegetable oil and proceed with the recipe as usual. You may need to adjust the flour and seasoning levels slightly to achieve the desired flavor. However, using buttermilk will give you the best results.

Wrapping Up

In this article, we discussed Bill Miller Onion — a popular side dish that’s incredibly easy to make and sure to be loved by all! We covered how to make it, what ingredients you need, as well as some helpful tips and tricks when cooking it.

Try this at home and impress your family and friends with this delicious dish. You won’t be disappointed! With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy the perfect onion every time — roasted to perfection with its crunchy exterior and creamy interior.

Thank you for reading. Please share this article with your friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a comment if you enjoyed the recipe! 

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Author Profile
Rebecca Novak, Registered Dietitian & Chef

Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more

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