Tennessee Onion Dip: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

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This recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and deeply flavorful Tennessee Onion Dip, perfect for parties or game days. The dish leverages the sweetness of Vidalia onions with a blend of sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, and a touch of spice to create an irresistible appetizer.

Why This Dip Stands Out

The appeal lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. Sweet onions caramelize into a tender base, while the cheese blend provides richness and depth. The inclusion of smoked paprika and cayenne adds subtle warmth, making it more than just a cheesy dip. This isn’t just another party snack; it’s a dish that genuinely delivers on taste and texture.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

  • Onions: Vidalia or other sweet onions are crucial for their mild sweetness, which balances the richness of the cheese.
  • Cheese: The combination of cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan creates a smooth, meltable base with varied flavor profiles. Smoked Gouda adds a distinctive smoky undertone.
  • Spices: Dry mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper add depth and heat, preventing the dip from becoming one-dimensional.

How to Make It: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in an ovenproof skillet and cook diced onions until softened and lightly browned (about 11-13 minutes). This step builds the foundational sweetness.
  2. Combine & Melt: Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, sour cream, mayonnaise, and spices until fully melted and combined (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Broil to Perfection: Sprinkle with remaining cheese and broil until golden brown (3-5 minutes). The broiler creates a bubbly, caramelized top.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Servings)

  • Calories: 249
  • Fat: 20.3g (26.0% DV)
  • Carbs: 9.7g (3.3% DV)
  • Protein: 7.8g (6.7% DV)
  • Sodium: 308.9mg (20.6% DV)

Ingredients List

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 lbs Vidalia or sweet onions, diced
  • ¾ tsp kosher salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cut into pieces
  • 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 4 oz smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (divided)
  • 1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 ¼ tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1 ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Parsley (optional garnish)
  • Crackers, chips, or baguette slices for serving

This Tennessee Onion Dip recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about bringing people together. Whether served with Ritz crackers, crunchy chips, or warm bread, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.