Easy Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe 2005

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bold Southern Flavor 🇺🇸 – This dip captures the rich, comforting taste of Tennessee-style cooking with caramelized onions, creamy cheese, and a savory kick in every bite.

2. Perfect Party Starter 🎊 – It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for game days, BBQs, or family gatherings — gone in minutes!

3. Quick & Easy to Make ⏱️ – With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a warm, cheesy dip on the table in no time.

4. Melty, Cheesy Goodness 🧀🔥 – Loaded with gooey cheese and golden onions, it’s impossible to stop at just one scoop.

5. Great for Summer Vibes ☀️🌽 – Pairs beautifully with chips, fresh veggies, or grilled meats for laid-back warm-weather entertaining.

Irresistible Tennessee Onion Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any summer gathering. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with caramelized sweet onions, this Southern classic is the kind of recipe you make once—and then keep making forever. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, game night, or a lazy Sunday snack, this dip delivers comfort and flavor in every bite.

I first learned how to make this from my Southern neighbor in Nashville. Every summer, she’d bring a dish to the neighborhood block party, and the minute she opened the foil lid, the crowd would swarm. One bite, and I knew I needed the recipe. Lucky for us, she shared it—and I’ve been making this unforgettable dip ever since.

Pure Comfort

This dip is a tribute to simplicity. It celebrates the humble onion—slow-cooked, sweet, and golden—and pairs it with creamy sour cream and sharp cheese to create a dish that oozes warmth and flavor. Best of all? It comes together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients

You’ll only need a few basic ingredients to whip up this addictive Tennessee Onion Dip:

• 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: chopped chives or green onions for garnish

What You Need

Tools:

• Medium skillet

• Mixing bowl

• Baking dish (small casserole or 8×8 inch)

• Wooden spoon or spatula

Serving Suggestions:

• Tortilla chips

• Pita wedges

• Sliced baguette

• Fresh veggie sticks

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

Steps to Make It

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by slicing your onions thinly. In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add the onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 20–25 minutes until they’re golden brown and sweet. This step is the soul of the dip—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Once the onions are caramelized, stir them into the creamy mixture. Pour everything into your baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

Step 5: Serve

Sprinkle with chives or green onions if desired. Serve warm with your choice of dippers.

Make It Perfect

• Don’t Skip Caramelizing: The longer and slower you cook the onions, the better the flavor.

• Cheese Matters: Sharp cheddar gives this dip its signature kick. You can also mix in some Monterey Jack or Gruyère for added depth.

• Texture Tip: For a chunkier dip, dice the onions instead of slicing.

Mix It Up

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne.

• Smoky Flavor: Use smoked cheddar or a pinch of smoked paprika.

• Herbaceous: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a more complex flavor.

Perfect Partners

This dip pairs beautifully with:

• BBQ ribs or grilled burgers

• A cold beer or iced sweet tea

• A crisp salad for a balanced spread

Busy Day Hero

In a rush? You can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assembly takes minutes after that.

Work Ahead

Make the dip a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. It’s actually even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Save Some For Later

Have leftovers? Lucky you!

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly again.

Everyone’s Happy

This is one of those rare dishes that pleases every palate. It’s vegetarian-friendly, deeply savory, and perfect for sharing. Whether your guests are foodies or picky eaters, Tennessee Onion Dip always gets rave reviews.

Good For You Too

Okay, so it’s not exactly a diet dip—but there are ways to lighten it up:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

• Try light mayo.

• Opt for reduced-fat cheese.

Even with a few tweaks, it’s still delicious.

Easy Clean Up

Use one skillet, one bowl, and one dish. That’s it. Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your evening—and fewer arguments about whose turn it is to wash up!

Switch It Up

Hosting a party? Turn this dip into mini baked appetizers:

• Scoop into phyllo cups or hollowed baby potatoes and bake.

• Use it as a topping for grilled chicken or steak.

Simply Perfect

At the heart of it, this dip is everything you want from a Southern recipe: rich, comforting, and perfect for bringing people together.

FAQs 7

1. Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, but it won’t have the same flavor. Try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free cheesy vibe.

2. Can I freeze it?
Not recommended—dairy-based dips don’t freeze well and may separate when thawed.

3. What type of onion is best?
Vidalia onions are ideal, but any sweet yellow onion will work.

4. Can I use a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Cook on low until bubbly—about 2 hours.

5. How do I make it gluten-free?
It already is! Just watch your dipping sides.

6. Is it keto-friendly?
Yes, just use low-carb dippers.

7. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Bake at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

There’s a reason Tennessee Onion Dip is a Southern favorite. With its sweet caramelized onions, creamy base, and cheesy goodness, it’s comfort in a dish—simple, soulful, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re lounging on the porch with a cold drink or gathering with friends for a summer potluck, this dip brings joy with every bite.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Tennessee Onion Dip

For an extra cheesy spread at your next gathering, serve this Tennessee Onion Dip alongside dishes that complement its Southern charm. Pair it with savory sides like the Crispy Cheesy Potato Puffs or spice things up with the Grilled Cheese Burrito for a fun fusion twist. Looking to build a full appetizer table? The Grilled Cheese Nacho Fries offer another indulgent cheesy option, while the Best Crackers for Cottage Cheese Dip post provides excellent ideas for serving vehicles. For a classic Southern touch, don’t miss the Sweet Potato Cornbread Recipe, which pairs beautifully with the creamy dip.

Tennessee Onion Dip

---

• Author: Helena
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings (about 1 cup total) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This warm, cheesy Tennessee Onion Dip is a Southern comfort food classic made with sweet Vidalia onions, creamy cheeses, and a touch of seasoning. It’s baked until golden and bubbly — perfect for summer gatherings, BBQs, or game day snacking. Scoop it up with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks and enjoy the rich, savory flavor in every bite!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix the ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced onions, mayonnaise, Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer to baking dish
   Spoon the mixture into a greased 8-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
4. Bake
   Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Serve hot
   Let it cool slightly before serving with chips, crostini, or fresh veggie sticks.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a few dashes of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the mix.
• Substitute Gruyère for Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor.
• Best enjoyed warm, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated.
• To make it ahead, assemble the mixture and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg