The flavor would be similar then, but the texture would be different. The crispness of the fried onions would be lost with the sautéd onions. you get a similar texture with potato chips, although I've always found it too salty. We used cereal, usually Corn Flakes. Crispy, but without the salty.

I wonder if my grandma's receipe actually called for the french fried onions and sue substituted the cereal because my sister and I *Would*NOT* eat onions when we were young. Hrms....