A depression era staple that my grandfather swore by when meat was scarce. Using just 3 ingredients, it offers a sharp and savory bite that is far more delicious than people expect.

This 3-ingredient onion sandwich is one of those humble, depression-era staples that tells a whole story with just a few bites. My grandfather used to talk about days when meat was a luxury and every scrap had to stretch, but he never spoke about this sandwich with pity. He swore by it, said the sharp crunch of raw onion against soft, buttered white bread tasted like a feast when the pantry was bare. It’s simple, inexpensive, and honest food—sharp, savory, and far more delicious than you’d ever expect from something you can put together in a minute or two.

Serve this onion sandwich on a plain white paper plate, just like it might have been in the old days, with a handful of potato chips or a dill pickle spear if you have them. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk both work surprisingly well alongside it, depending on the time of day. In summer, this makes a quick lunch with sliced garden tomatoes or a small green salad; in winter, pair it with a simple bowl of tomato soup or broth to round out the meal without losing that frugal, no-fuss spirit.

Servings: 1

2 slices soft white sandwich bread

Lay the two slices of soft white sandwich bread on a clean plate or cutting board.

Spread a generous layer of softened salted yellow butter over one entire side of each bread slice, going all the way to the edges so every bite is well coated.

Place the thick slice of raw white onion in the center of one buttered slice of bread. If the slice is very large, you can trim it to fit, but keep it thick so it stays crunchy and full of flavor.

Set the second slice of bread on top, buttered side down, to close the sandwich and gently press so the onion settles into the soft bread.

Serve immediately on a simple white paper plate. Eat as-is, enjoying the contrast of the cool, sharp onion, rich butter, and tender bread.

If you’d like a little extra punch, you can sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the onion before closing the sandwich, though the original version my grandfather loved used only bread, butter, and onion. For a slightly milder bite, use sweet or Vidalia onion instead of white, or briefly soak the raw onion slice in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then pat dry before assembling. You can also lightly toast the bread for a bit more structure, but part of the old-fashioned charm is the way the soft white bread cushions that crisp onion. Food safety tips: Always use a clean knife and cutting board when slicing the onion, especially if you’ve recently handled raw meat on the same surface. Store uncut onions in a cool, dry place and wrap any leftover cut onion tightly and refrigerate, using it within a couple of days for best flavor and quality. Butter should be kept refrigerated; if you soften it at room temperature, only take out what you’ll use within a few hours so it stays fresh.