How to make Southern Sweet Onion Casserole
Ingredients:
1 C. Ritz crackers crushed
4 Sweet onions sliced
1 ½ C. Shredded cheddar cheese
2 Tbsp. Butter
1 tsp. Salt
3 Large eggs
¼ tsp. Pepper
5 oz. Can evaporated milk
For the topping:
3 Tbsp. Melted butter
1 C. Ritz crackers crushed into crumbs
Instructions:
Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
Add the onions to a pot, and cover in water.
Bring the water to a boil, and simmer the onions until softened, about 8 minutes.
Drain the onions and stir in the butter while they are still hot.
Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl.
Add the onions, milk, cheese, Ritz crackers and salt and pepper to taste to the bowl with the eggs, and stir to combine well.
Spread the mixture into a well greased 9×13 baking dish.
In a bowl, stir together the topping ingredients, and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 45 minutes, and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 403 kcal | Total Fat: 26.1g | Saturated Fat: 14.5g | Trans Fat: 0.6g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 879mg | Total Carbohydrates: 29.6g | Dietary Fiber: 2.3g | Sugars: 8.5g | Protein: 13.4g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese for the casserole?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese like Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack if you prefer. The recipe calls for shredded cheddar cheese, but feel free to customize it to your taste.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time and reheat it later?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Can I use a different type of cracker for the topping?
Yes, you can use other types of crackers instead of Ritz crackers. Crushed butter crackers, saltine crackers, or even breadcrumbs would work well as a topping for the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables or ingredients to the casserole?
Certainly! While this recipe features sweet onions as the star ingredient, you can get creative and add other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and nutritional profile.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
The current recipe contains eggs and cheddar cheese, which makes it unsuitable for vegetarians who avoid dairy and eggs.
However, you can adapt the recipe to be vegetarian-friendly by using plant-based cheese alternatives and replacing the eggs with an egg replacer suitable for baking.
Can I use a different type of onion for this casserole?
Yes, you can use other types of onions if you prefer. While the recipe calls for sweet onions, you can experiment with yellow onions, Vidalia onions, or red onions to achieve different flavor profiles.
Can I make this casserole without eggs?
Yes, you can try making the casserole without eggs by using egg substitutes suitable for baking.
You can use commercial egg replacers, mashed bananas, applesauce, or flaxseed mixed with water as possible alternatives.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs instead of crushed Ritz crackers for the topping?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand, you can use fresh breadcrumbs instead.
Simply pulse some bread slices in a food processor or grate them to make crumbs and use them in the same way as the Ritz crackers.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and freeze it for later. Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer.
When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then follow the baking instructions.
Can I add additional herbs and seasonings to the casserole for more flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives, or even seasonings like garlic powder or paprika to enhance the flavor of the casserole.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences and experiment with different combinations for a unique twist.