Name: Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 2 large chopped sweet onions (Vidalia); 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 bubbling with caramelized onions that just pulls everyone closer. This Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe is my go-to when I want a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and a little fancy — it’s like a hug in a dish!

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with a baked dip that has a golden-brown top layer of melted cheese sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Underneath the cheese layer, there are visible chunks of cooked onions and creamy dip. A woman's hand is dipping a toasted, golden-brown slice of bread into the creamy mixture, lifting some of it from the pan. The background surface is a white marbled texture with more slices of toasted bread softly blurred behind the pan. 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

What first drew me to this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe was how it combines sweet, slow-cooked onions with a luscious mix of cheeses. It’s pretty much foolproof, yet it tastes like something you’d find on a fancy appetizer menu. Plus, it’s a perfect dish to share with friends and family.

Deep, rich flavor: Slow-cooked sweet onions create a natural sweetness that balances the savory cheese beautifully.
Simple ingredients: Most of what's needed is pantry-friendly, making it easy to whip up on short notice.
Perfectly gooey texture: The blend of cream cheese, mayo, cheddar, and smoked gouda creates a creamy, cheesy dip you’ll crave again.
Bakes in one pan: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your dip and company!

The image shows a round black skillet filled with a thick, creamy dip that has a golden-brown top layer of melted cheese with a slightly crispy texture and scattered bits of herbs. The cheese layer is uneven, revealing a softer, cheesy and chunky inside with visible pieces of onions. Light golden toasted bread slices are placed on the side of the skillet and some are partially dipped into the cheese mixture. The skillet is set on a white marbled surface with extra toasted bread slices scattered around, and the edge of a beige cloth is seen in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe leans on some classic but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a role in making the dip irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and balanced. And if you pick the right onions and cheeses, you’re halfway there!

Flat lay of two large sweet Vidalia onions, a small pat of unsalted butter, a dollop of creamy mayonnaise, a block of soft cream cheese, a sprinkle of dried thyme and garlic powder, a pile of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and smoky gouda cheese side by side, and fresh chopped parsley scattered lightly around, all beautifully arranged and placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Sweet onions (like Vidalia): These become tender and bring natural sweetness after slow cooking — the backbone of the dip’s flavor.
Unsalted butter: Helps soften the onions without overpowering their sweetness.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang that tones down the richness.
Cream cheese: Gives that luscious, silky texture and depth to the dip.
Garlic powder: Delivers a mild punch without the intensity of fresh garlic, blending smoothly into the background.
Dried thyme: Brings subtle earthy notes that complement both the onions and cheese.
Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors and enhancing sweetness.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds familiar cheesy goodness.
Smoked gouda cheese: This adds a smoky, velvety richness that’s a game-changer — go for it!
Chopped parsley (for garnish): Freshens up the dip with a burst of color and a mild herbaceous touch.

📝

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 my favorite things about this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or occasion. I’ve played around with the cheeses and herbs, and it’s fun to make it feel like your own signature dip.

Variation: Once, I swapped smoked gouda for pepper jack to add a gentle kick — it was a hit at a football party!
Diet-friendly: For a lighter version, try mixing Greek yogurt with mayo instead of cream cheese (though it’ll be a little tangier).
Seasonal twist: Stir in some finely chopped roasted red peppers or jalapeños for holiday gatherings.

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

Step 1: Slowly caramelize those sweet onions

Start by melting butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then add your chopped sweet onions. Patience is key here! Let them cook gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft, tender, and showing a slight golden hue. This slow cooking unlocks their natural sweetness which is the soul of this dip.

Step 2: Mix in the creamy goodness

Once the onions are just right, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and both cheeses. Make sure everything's well combined — it should be thick, creamy, and full of promise!

Step 3: Bake to bubbly perfection

Pop the skillet into your preheated 375°F oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for a beautifully golden, bubbling top — that’s how you know it’s ready. The smell filling the kitchen at this point is downright addictive!

Step 4: Garnish and dig in

Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and a little brightness against all that melty, savory richness. Then, serve it up with your favorite crackers, toasted crostini, or even some crusty bread.

Top Tip

Making this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe was a game changer after I realized a few little tricks that make the final dip even better. These tips will help you nail the perfect balance of flavors and texture every time.

Don’t rush the onions: Taking the time to cook onions slowly makes all the difference in flavor. Quick sautéing won't bring out the sweetness.
Softened cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing so you get a smooth dip without lumps.
Use an oven-safe skillet: This helps you go straight from stovetop to oven without extra dishes or mess.
Watch the baking time: Overbaking can make the cheese dry out, so aim for just bubbly and lightly golden.

How to Serve Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe

Tennessee Onion Dip - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always add freshly chopped parsley — it brightens the dip visually and refreshes the palate. Sometimes, I sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or a little extra shredded cheese on top before baking for an added flavor punch.

Side Dishes

For me, this dip pairs amazingly with toasted baguette slices, sturdy crackers, or chilled vegetable sticks like celery and carrots. At a party, I love setting out sliced apples and pretzel chips too — the sweet and salty contrasts are a dessert in themselves!

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I like to bake this Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe in a hollowed-out bread boule — presents beautifully and makes a fun edible bowl. You can also portion it into little ramekins for individual servings, giving it a cozy, personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (they're rare, I know!), scoop the dip into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to two days, but trust me, you’ll want to eat it sooner!

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this dip because the texture tends to get grainy and the cheese separates when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, or gently heat in a low oven until the cheese melts and the dip is warmed through. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from toughening up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the onions in advance and store them in the fridge, then assemble and bake the dip right before serving for the freshest taste.

What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have smoked gouda?

You can use smoked fontina or even a mild smoked cheddar. The key is to keep that smoky depth; otherwise, just use extra cheddar for a sharper flavor.

Can I make this dip vegetarian?

Yes! This Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe is naturally vegetarian as it doesn’t include any meat. Just ensure the cheeses you use are free of animal rennet if strict vegetarianism is required.

What are good dippers for Tennessee Onion Dip?

Classic choices are crackers, crostini, and sliced baguette. You can also serve with fresh veggies like bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, or even pretzels for a salty crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Tennessee Onion Dip Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so warm and welcoming—just like a good visit with friends or family. It’s an easy recipe to make, tweaks to fit your mood, and delivers on flavor every single time. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do. Serve it up, gather around, and enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!