Party Cheese Bake
A savory cheese bake combining crunchy cracker topping, melted cheddar, and savory onions, perfect for parties or large gatherings needing a warm, cheesy appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, put 3/4 of the cracker mixture (butter and celery powder).
- Spread 2 cups of lightly salted chopped sweet onions over the cracker layer.
- Cover with 1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese.
- Combine 3 cups scalded milk, 3 lightly beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, and a dash of red pepper, then pour over the cracker and onion layers.
- Sprinkle the remaining cracker mixture on top.
- Top with a light layer of grated Parmesan cheese and paprika.
- Bake for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Cut into 2-inch squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the onion layer. If you're short on time, you can use pre-packaged grated cheese instead of grating it yourself. Adjust the spice level by increasing the dash of red pepper or using a spicier paprika. This dish is versatile enough to be served as a side or a main dish in vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Cut into 2-inch squares and serve warm as a delicious appetizer or side dish. This hearty bake pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a tangy dipping sauce to enhance the flavors. For a themed gathering, it complements dishes like Date Ding Bats perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the cheese bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Cheese Bake contains roughly 179 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated thoroughly.
What can I use instead of saltine crackers?
If you don't have saltine crackers, you can substitute them with crushed Ritz crackers or even panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. Just ensure the substitute maintains a similar saltiness to keep the flavor balanced.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the Party Cheese Bake gluten-free, simply replace the crushed saltine crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread. Always check the labels of the other ingredients, like cheese and butter, to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).