This southern 3-ingredient baked sweet onion dip is the kind of simple, old-school appetizer that disappears fast at family dinners, game days, and holiday tables. Sweet onions mellow as they bake, turning soft and rich under a creamy, cheesy topping, and the best part is how little effort it takes to pull together. It feels like one of those recipes passed around on handwritten cards because it uses just a few pantry-friendly ingredients and still tastes like something you planned all day.
Serve this hot from the oven with buttery crackers, toasted baguette slices, pita chips, or sturdy corn chips for scooping. It also works well alongside a snack spread with sliced celery, carrot sticks, olives, and a little tray of cured meats, and if you are setting out a bigger Southern-style meal, it fits right in before ham, roast chicken, or barbecue.
Southern 3-Ingredient Baked Sweet Onion Dip
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 large sweet onions, finely chopped
2 cups mayonnaise
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the finely chopped sweet onions, mayonnaise, and shredded Parmesan cheese until evenly combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish or skillet.
4. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges and on top.
5. Let the dip rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly, then serve warm with crackers or bread for dipping.
Variations & Tips
Extra cheesy top: If you like a more pronounced crust, sprinkle a small handful of extra Parmesan over the top before baking. It adds a deeper golden finish and a little more savory flavor.
Make-ahead tip: You can mix the dip a few hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. This is one of those handy recipes that makes busy weekends and holiday hosting a lot easier.
Sweeter onion flavor: Vidalia onions are especially good here if you can find them, but any sweet onion works well. Chop them finely so they soften fully as the dip bakes and blend smoothly into the creamy base.
Serving tip: This dip stays hottest longest in a cast iron skillet, which is great if you are putting it out for guests. If it sits for a while, a quick few minutes back in the oven warms it right up again.