The first time I tasted the distinct sweetness of a Vidalia onion, I knew it needed to be the star of a warm, cheesy dish. This Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip captures that incredible flavor profile by pairing the tender onions with a rich blend of Swiss and Parmesan cheeses.
It quickly became the request I hear most often when friends know I am hosting a get-together or bringing a dish to share. The texture is incredibly creamy while the baked top adds a golden, savory crust that disappears from the serving bowl in minutes.
Why This Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

The natural sugars in the onions caramelize beautifully as they bake, creating a depth of flavor that you just cannot get from regular yellow onions. I find that the savory Swiss cheese balances that sweetness without overpowering the delicate onion taste.
You will appreciate how little effort is required to assemble this appetizer before tossing it into the oven. It is one of those recipes where five simple ingredients transform into something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Every time I serve this, guests ask for the recipe before they have even finished their first helping. It strikes that ideal balance between a comforting home-cooked snack and an impressive party platter that looks like it took hours to prepare.
If you enjoyed this cheesy comfort food, I recommend trying my Ultimate Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe for another warming meal. Also, the creamy sauce in my Hearty Chicken Stroganoff Recipe offers that same satisfying richness you love.
Everything You Need for Perfect Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip

Here are the simple pantry staples and fresh items you will need to make this dip:
- Vidalia sweet onions: Thinly sliced to ensure they cook down into tender ribbons within the dip.
- Swiss cheese: Shredded freshly for the best melt and a slightly nutty flavor profile.
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that binds everything together during baking.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated to add a sharp, salty kick that cuts through the richness.
- Hot sauce: A few dashes add a subtle background heat without making the dish spicy.
My Method for Perfect Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip

Let’s get cooking and fill your kitchen with the smell of baking cheese and onions:
- I start by preheating my oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it is ready the moment I finish prepping. While the oven warms up, I take time to peel and slice the Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip star ingredient very thinly, almost like shavings, so they soften perfectly in the creamy mixture without needing to be precooked.
- Next, I grab a large mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, shredded Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan, and my hot sauce. I stir these together until well blended before folding in the onion slices, ensuring every strand is coated in the thick, creamy binder.
- I transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to maximize the surface area for browning. I bake it for 30 to 35 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a bubbling golden brown and the center to be hot and set.
- Once I remove the dish from the oven, I let it rest on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the oils to reabsorb and the dip to thicken up slightly, making it much easier to scoop without being too runny.
My Best Tips for Perfect Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip
I always recommend using a mandoline slicer if you have one to get the onions paper-thin and uniform. Thick chunks of onion can remain crunchy even after baking, disrupting the smooth texture of the Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip.
Grating your own Swiss cheese from a block makes a significant difference in the final consistency. Pre-shredded bagged cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting into that luxurious, stringy pull we all want.
If you have leftovers, this dip reheats surprisingly well in the oven or microwave the next day. I sometimes make the mixture a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge, popping it in the oven just as guests arrive.
How to Serve This Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip
I love serving this warm with a variety of sturdy dippers like toasted baguette slices or thick pita chips. The crunch of a good cracker provides a necessary contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip.
For a lighter option, crisp celery sticks or cucumber rounds work wonderfully to scoop up the cheese. It also makes a fantastic topping for baked potatoes or a spread for a hot roast beef sandwich.
Join me on Pinterest for more easy appetizer ideas and cozy comfort food recipes.
Print
Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 40 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, savory hot dip featuring sweet Vidalia onions and melted Swiss cheese. Easy to bake and perfect for parties.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
- 2 cups Vidalia sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to ensure it is at the correct temperature for baking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, shredded Swiss cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and a dash of hot sauce. Mix well until the base is smooth.
- Gently fold in the thinly sliced Vidalia onions until they are evenly coated with the cheese mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dip to cool for about 10 minutes before serving to let the texture set.
Notes
If you cannot find Vidalia onions, use another variety of sweet onion like Walla Walla or Maui. Ensure onions are sliced very thin for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cooling Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tbsp
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Vidalia Sweet Onion Dip, baked onion dip, cheesy appetizer, hot party dip, southern onion dip
