Name: Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chopped sweet onions; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup mayonnaise; 4 ounces softened cream cheese; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded smoked gouda cheese; Chopped parsley for garnish

There’s something irresistibly cozy about a warm, cheesy dip that fills the air with the sweet aroma of caramelized onions. This Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe combines tender Vidalia onions and a blend of cheeses that bake to bubbly perfection—making it a winner anytime you want to impress without fuss.

A black pan filled with a baked dip featuring a top layer of melted golden brown cheese scattered with small bits of green herbs. Underneath, you see soft caramelized onion pieces and creamy, cheesy chunks. A woman's hand is dipping a lightly toasted, golden bread slice with a textured surface into the dip. More toasted bread slices rest in the background on a white marbled surface. The whole scene shows a warm, cheesy, and inviting dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Every time I make this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe, it’s a total hit—whether at a game day gathering or a relaxed family night. The rich, smoky gouda mingles perfectly with sweet onions and creamy cheese, creating comfort food magic you’ll want to keep on rotation.

No-fuss elegance: This dip comes together with simple ingredients and a straightforward oven bake—no fancy equipment needed.
Flavor combo that wows: The mix of Vidalia onions, garlic, thyme, and two cheeses creates a depth that’s both sweet and savory.
Perfect for sharing: It’s great warm and bubbly, ideal for dipping crackers, crostini, or fresh bread slices at any gathering.
Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your taste buds or the ingredients you have on hand.

A round black skillet filled with a cheesy dip that has a golden brown, slightly crispy top layer sprinkled with small green herb pieces. The dip shows creamy white and orange shades with visible soft chunks inside, likely onions or cheese. Several toasted white bread slices with herb seasoning are partially dipped into the skillet on the right side, while more bread slices are scattered around the skillet on a white marbled surface. The texture of the dip appears smooth with some melted cheese strands and slightly browned spots near the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe plays a starring role. The sweetness of Vidalia onions contrasts beautifully with the rich cheddar and smoky gouda cheeses, while the mayo and cream cheese give it that silky, creamy texture you just want to scoop up endlessly. Let me break it down for you:

Flat lay of two large chopped sweet Vidalia onions, a stick of unsalted butter, a bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a block of softened cream cheese, piles of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and smoked gouda cheese, a small heap of dried thyme, a teaspoon of garlic powder, and fresh chopped parsley sprinkled artistically, all arranged beautifully on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Sweet onions (Vidalia): Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully, adding depth without bitterness.
Unsalted butter: Melts and sauté the onions gently, helping them soften and release flavor without over-salting.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and tang, keeping the dip smooth and rich.
Cream cheese: Softened for easy blending, it boosts the creamy texture and mild tang.
Garlic powder: Offers a subtle punch of savory depth without overpowering the onions.
Dried thyme: Brings a warm, herbal note that complements the sweet and smoky flavors.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, but measured carefully to avoid oversalting given the cheeses.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it gives that classic, comforting cheesy taste.
Shredded smoked gouda cheese: Adds a velvety, smoky richness that makes this dip uniquely special.
Chopped parsley (garnish): A fresh burst of color and a hint of brightness just before serving.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Sometimes, I add a little smoky paprika or swap in a different cheese depending on what’s in the fridge. You can truly make this dip your own with just a few tweaks.

Variation: I once tried swapping smoked gouda for a sharp Monterey Jack when I was out, and it still turned out creamy and delicious—so don't stress if you don't have gouda on hand.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce gives a nice little kick if you prefer heat.
Make it herbaceous: Fresh thyme instead of dried can brighten the flavor—just add a bit more since fresh herbs tend to be milder.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe

Step 1: Sweetly soften those onions

Start by heating butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped sweet onions—I always use Vidalia for their perfect sweetness. Cook them gently, stirring often, for about 15 minutes until they’re soft and tender but not browned. This slow cooking draws out their natural sugars and forms the flavor base of your dip.

Step 2: Mix in the creamy goodness

Once your onions are tender, take the skillet off the heat and stir in mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, then the shredded cheddar and smoked gouda cheeses. Stir thoroughly until everything’s well combined—this creates a rich, luscious mixture that’s about to get baked to bubbly perfection.

Step 3: Bake until bubbly and golden

Pop the skillet into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25 minutes. What you’re aiming for is a dip that’s bubbling all over and just starting to turn lightly golden on top. This step blends all the flavors and melts the cheeses beautifully.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top. It adds a pop of color and a fresh hint that cuts through the richness. Serve it up warm with crackers, crostini, or your favorite sliced bread. I always find everyone swooning over this one!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to the ultimate Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe is patience during that onion-sautéing step and the right cheese balance. Don’t rush the onions or skimp on the smoked gouda—you want full flavor without any bitterness or dryness.

Caramelize gently: Keep the heat medium, stir often, and don’t let the onions burn—soft, golden onions are the secret to deep flavor.
Soften cream cheese first: Having it at room temperature means it blends smoothly without lumps.
Use an oven-safe skillet: It saves you from extra dishes and lets you go straight from stovetop to oven.
Watch your bake time: Baking too long can dry out the dip, so 25 minutes is just right for melty, bubbly goodness.

How to Serve Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe

Tennessee Onion Dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

Personally, I always reach for fresh chopped parsley as the final touch—it brightens that rich, cheesy dip beautifully. If I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a pinch of smoked paprika adds a subtle twist that guests love.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs wonderfully with crisp crackers, crusty French baguette slices, or warm pita chips. For veggies, I like crunchy celery sticks or sweet carrot sticks to cut through the richness. It makes a great appetizer alongside a fresh green salad or charcuterie board too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this dip right in a hollowed-out round loaf of bread—talk about cozy presentation! Another fun idea is to portion the dip into small ramekins for individual servings at parties. It’s elegant but still so easy and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftover Tennessee Onion Dip in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days. Be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t dry out or pick up fridge smells.

Freezing

From my experience, this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe doesn’t freeze well because the creamy texture can separate upon thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best taste and consistency.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I gently warm the dip in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overheating, or in a low oven until it’s melted and bubbly again. Stirring halfway through helps keep the texture smooth and inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of onion in the Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe?

Absolutely! While Vidalia onions are ideal for their sweetness, you can use yellow or white onions, just sauté them a little longer until they soften and caramelize gently to bring out their sweetness.

Is this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The dip itself is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies. Just be sure to double-check any packaged ingredients for hidden gluten.

Can I prepare this dip in advance?

You can prep the onions ahead of time and store them refrigerated up to 24 hours, but I recommend assembling and baking the dip right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What should I serve this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe with?

Crackers, sliced baguette, crostini, or fresh vegetables are all fantastic options. For a Southern touch, you might even try pairing it with pork rinds or cornbread chips!

Final Thoughts

Making this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe is like inviting a little Southern comfort into your kitchen. I hope you find it as crowd-pleasing and easy as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that feels special but comes together effortlessly. So next time you want a warm, cheesy dip loaded with sweet onions and smoky richness, give this one a try. You’ll probably be asked for the recipe—just like I am!