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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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