Tom'S Onion Casserole
A comforting onion casserole layered with tender Vidalia onions, creamy mushroom soup, sharp Cheddar, and crispy cracker topping, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt margarine over medium heat and sauté the sliced onions until clear and tender.
- Butter a 2-quart (8 x 11 x 2-inch) casserole dish. Reserve 3 tablespoons of crushed saltine crackers for topping and line the dish with the remaining cracker crumbs.
- Layer the sautéed onions and undiluted cream of mushroom soup alternately in the prepared casserole until full.
- Pour beaten eggs over the top layer and then pour milk evenly over the entire dish.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp Cheddar cheese and the reserved cracker crumbs over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating sautéed garlic or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley when cooking the onions. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the milk. Regular cream of mushroom soup works well, but for a twist, try a can of cream of chicken soup instead. Keep an eye on the casserole to prevent over-browning during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This onion casserole serves well as a hearty side dish alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with the Pineapple-Cheese Cake Dessert for a satisfying meal. For a vegetarian twist, serve it with roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover onion casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven will help maintain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tom'S Onion Casserole contains roughly 434 calories, with 9g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value), protein (17% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value).
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 the casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble all the ingredients and cover tightly before refrigerating. When you're ready to bake, just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of Vidalia onions?
While Vidalia onions are sweet and mild, you can substitute them with other sweet onion varieties like Walla Walla or Maui onions. If you prefer a sharper flavor, yellow onions can work too, but you might want to sauté them a bit longer to mellow their taste.
Is there a gluten-free option for the crackers?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs in place of saltine crackers. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs. This substitution will keep the casserole deliciously intact for those avoiding gluten.
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).