Heartwarming Southern Sweet Onion Casserole Recipe for All

Sweet southern onion casserole brings comfort straight to your dinner table with its rich, creamy layers of pure deliciousness.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen flood back when you catch that first aroma wafting through the house.

Caramelized onions create a golden, mouthwatering base that promises pure satisfaction.

Crispy breadcrumbs scattered across the top add a delightful crunch to every single bite.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a heavenly blend of flavors that dance on your palate.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical in this classic southern dish.

FAQs

• Why use Vidalia onions specifically?

Vidalia onions are sweeter and milder than regular onions, providing a unique, delicate flavor that makes this casserole exceptionally delicious and less pungent.

• Can I substitute the type of cheese?

Cheddar works best for this recipe, but you could use mild monterey jack or gruyere for a similar creamy texture and complementary taste.

• Is this dish considered a side or main course?

This Southern onion casserole is traditionally served as a hearty side dish, perfect alongside grilled meats or roasted chicken.

• Do I need to pre-cook the onions?

Yes, simmering the onions first helps soften them and reduces their sharp raw taste, creating a more mellow and smooth flavor profile in the final dish.

Sweet Southern Onion Casserole Loaded with Flavor

• Craft with Ease: This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels. Combine ingredients, mix, and bake – no fancy techniques needed.
• Southern Hospitality on a Plate: Capture the essence of southern cooking with sweet Vidalia onions and classic Ritz cracker topping. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and side dish lovers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Crowd Magnet: Cheese, buttery cracker crumbs, and caramelized onions create an irresistible combination that appeals to both kids and adults. Guaranteed to disappear quickly from the dinner table.

Full Ingredients List for Southern Sweet Onion Casserole

• Vidalia Onions: Sweet southern onions that provide the primary flavor and texture for the casserole.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the dish.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides creamy consistency and helps bind the ingredients.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and tangy flavor to the casserole.
• Eggs: Help hold the casserole together and create a stable structure.
• Ritz Crackers: Serve as a crunchy base and topping, adding texture and a buttery flavor to the casserole.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Provides a subtle spicy undertone to complement the sweet onions.

Detailed Directions to Bake Southern Sweet Onion Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Soften the Onions

Fill a medium saucepan with water and add Vidalia onions. Crank the heat to high and bring to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat and let the onions simmer gently for about 8 minutes. Drain the onions completely and mix them with unsalted butter.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Ritz cracker crumbs
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Ritz cracker crumbs
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this crispy topping evenly across the surface of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a firm center.

Once done, pull it out and get ready to serve this delightful Southern comfort dish.

Handy Tips to Nail Southern Sweet Onion Casserole

• Drain onions completely to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a perfect texture.
• Select sweet Vidalia onions for the most authentic southern flavor and creamy consistency.
• Crush Ritz crackers fresh for extra crunchiness and a more robust topping that elevates the dish's texture.
• Consider using low-fat cheese and milk alternatives for a lighter version without compromising taste.
• Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to enhance flavor melding and convenience.

Exciting Variations to Transform Sweet Onion Casserole

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace evaporated milk with coconut milk and use vegan butter. Swap cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra heat boost.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use fewer onions and add cauliflower for volume and reduced carbohydrates.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve With Sweet Onion Casserole

• Chardonnay's buttery notes beautifully complement the rich, creamy texture of the sweet onion casserole, enhancing its delicate flavors and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Tender, herb-roasted chicken creates a perfect protein companion, balancing the casserole's creamy onion base and adding a complementary savory dimension to the meal.
• Light, peppery arugula salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the casserole's richness, offering a crisp texture and bright flavor that cleanses the palate between bites.

Proper Storage Advice for Sweet Onion Casserole Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the casserole cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking and drying out the casserole.

Southern Sweet Onion Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern sweet onion casserole combines caramelized onions, creamy cheese, and buttery crackers in a mouthwatering Southern side dish. Home cooks savor this comforting classic that brings warmth and rich flavor to family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 cups grated cheddar cheese
• 3 large eggs
• 4 large Vidalia onions (precisely sliced to 1/4-inch thickness)
• 1 cup (85 g) Ritz cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (85 g) Ritz cracker crumbs (for topping)
• 5 oz (142 g) evaporated milk
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps melted butter (for topping)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Fill a saucepan with water and add Vidalia onions. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 8 minutes until slightly tender. Drain the onions completely and toss with unsalted butter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and evaporated milk until smooth and fully combined. Fold in the buttered onions, Ritz cracker crumbs, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Pour the onion mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer. Melt additional butter and mix with remaining Ritz cracker crumbs to create a crispy topping.
5. Scatter the buttery cracker topping across the casserole surface, covering it uniformly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and a set center. Remove and let cool briefly before serving.

Notes

• Selecting sweet onions like Vidalia ensures a milder, less pungent flavor that enhances the overall dish’s taste.
• Draining onions completely prevents excess moisture, which could make the casserole soggy and compromise its texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or sharp white cheddar to create unique flavor profiles and add depth to the dish.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to maintain the crispy topping texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg