Baked Sweet Onion Cream
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish made almost entirely from onions — especially when they’re sweet, buttery, and baked under a golden, cheesy crust. This Baked Sweet Onion Cream (also known as Southern Sweet Onion Casserole) takes humble onions and transforms them into a rich, velvety side dish that feels right at home next to roast turkey, baked ham, or even a simple weeknight chicken dinner.
Made with tender slices of Vidalia onions cooked down until soft and golden, then folded into a creamy, cheesy mixture and topped with buttery cracker crumbs, it’s the kind of recipe that defines Southern comfort food — a little sweet, a little savory, and completely irresistible. Every bite melts in your mouth, with that perfect balance of onion sweetness and creamy richness.
It’s a dish that shows up often at holidays and Sunday suppers because it never fails to steal the spotlight. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s been a Southern favorite for generations.
Ingredients for Baked Sweet Onion Cream
Each ingredient brings its own touch to this simple but luxurious casserole.
- Sweet onions (like Vidalia) – The heart of the dish, naturally mild and sugary when cooked.
- Butter – Adds depth and richness while helping the onions caramelize.
- Salt, pepper, and sugar – Basic seasonings that enhance the onions’ flavor and balance their sweetness.
- Cheddar cheese – Brings sharp, tangy depth to contrast the creamy texture.
- Mozzarella cheese – Adds that smooth, stretchy melt for a luscious texture.
- Sour cream – Makes the filling creamy and tangy, tying everything together.
- Eggs – Help the casserole set with a custard-like smoothness.
- Butter crackers (like Ritz) – Crushed and mixed with butter to form a crunchy, golden topping.
- Melted butter – Coats the cracker crumbs and gives the topping that signature buttery crunch.
Step-by-Step Baked Sweet Onion Cream
STEP 1 – Prepare the Onions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt, black pepper, and a teaspoon of sugar if you’d like to enhance their natural sweetness. Cook the onions slowly, stirring often, until they become soft, translucent, and lightly golden — about 15 minutes. You want them to caramelize slightly but not brown too much, creating a mellow, sweet base.
STEP 2 – Mix the Creamy Filling
Once the onions are tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and lightly beaten eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the mozzarella. The residual heat from the onions will start melting the cheese slightly, creating a rich, luscious filling.
STEP 3 – Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the creamy onion mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top for that gooey, cheesy finish. In a separate bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter, then spread this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. It’ll bake into a crisp, buttery crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy layers underneath.
STEP 4 – Bake Until Golden
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. The aroma of buttery onions and melted cheese will fill your kitchen — the sure sign it’s ready.
STEP 5 – Let It Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it firm up slightly and makes scooping easier. Serve warm alongside roasted meats, barbecue, or holiday favorites.
Can I Use Regular Onions Instead of Sweet?
You can, though sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are preferred for their mild flavor and natural sweetness. If using yellow onions, you can add the optional teaspoon of sugar to help replicate that signature Southern flavor.
What Cheese Works Best?
Sharp cheddar is classic because it stands up to the creamy sauce and balances the sweetness of the onions. The mozzarella adds melt and smoothness, but you can substitute Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby for a slightly different twist. A mix of cheddar and Gruyère gives a lovely nutty richness.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare the onion and cheese mixture up to a day in advance, store it covered in the refrigerator, and add the cracker topping just before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, add about 10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Helpful Tips
- Slice the onions evenly: Thin, uniform slices cook evenly and melt into the sauce beautifully.
- Don’t rush the onions: Letting them slowly soften builds flavor and sweetness.
- Top just before baking: Keeps the cracker topping crisp instead of soggy.
Serving Ideas for Baked Sweet Onion Cream
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic mains like glazed ham, roast turkey, or beef tenderloin. It also makes a fantastic side for barbecue chicken or pork chops. For a comforting Southern spread, serve it alongside collard greens, mashed potatoes, and cornbread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible — it softens the crunchy top. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; just thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh when ready to serve.
This Baked Sweet Onion Cream is everything a Southern side dish should be — creamy, buttery, and full of love. One scoop and you’ll understand why it’s stood the test of time as a true comfort classic.
Baked Sweet Onion Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup tangy sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter melted (for the topping)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar optional, for enhanced sweetness
- 1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar divided
- ½ cup finely shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup crushed buttery round crackers e.g., Ritz
- 2 large eggs whisked until smooth
- 4 large sweet onions such as Vidalia, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, salt, black pepper, and sugar if using. Cook, stirring regularly, until the onions become soft and develop a light golden hue, about 15 minutes.
- Take the skillet off the heat. Blend in the sour cream and beaten eggs, stirring until the mixture becomes uniform and creamy.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and all of the mozzarella, folding gently until evenly incorporated.
- Transfer the prepared onion mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the surface with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- In a separate bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Distribute this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for approximately 5 minutes before serving. Ideal alongside roasted poultry, smoked meats, or festive entrees.