Ingredients
Serves 8–10
The Heart of the Casserole
4 large Vidalia onions (about 3 lbs), halved and sliced ¼-inch thick (sweet onions only—no substitutes!)
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed—this is key for rich, non-sweet custard!)
1½ cups (6 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated—no anti-caking agents!)
1 cup crumbled Ritz crackers (regular, not buttery—authentic crunch!)
2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp fine sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
The Golden Topping
3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup crumbled Ritz crackers
✅ Joye’s Pro Tips
Vidalias only: Their sugar content caramelizes beautifully. Yellow onions turn bitter.
Cracker secret: Pulse Ritz in a food processor—don’t crush by hand (uneven crumbs = soggy spots).
Cheese note: Pre-shredded won’t melt right. Buy a block and grate it yourself.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
→ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
→ Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Soften the Onions (The Flavor Foundation)
→ Place onion slices in a saucepan; add just enough water to cover.
→ Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
→ Simmer 8 minutes—until tender but not translucent (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
→ Drain well in a colander; gently press out excess water with a spoon.
→ Return to warm pan; stir in 2 tbsp melted butter until glossy.
✅ Why this works: Par-cooking tames the sharpness while preserving sweetness.
3. Make the Custard
→ In a large bowl, whisk eggs and evaporated milk until smooth and slightly frothy.
→ Fold in buttered onions, 1 cup Ritz crumbs, cheddar, salt, and pepper until just combined.
✅ Don’t overmix—lumpy custard stays tender.
4. Assemble with Love
→ Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish; spread evenly.
→ In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp melted butter and 1 cup Ritz crumbs.
→ Sprinkle topping evenly over the casserole—don’t press down.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection
→ Bake 45–50 minutes, until:
✓ Top is deep golden-brown and crisp
✓ Center is set (no liquid jiggle when gently shaken)
✓ Edges bubble softly
✅ Pro tip: Tent with foil at 30 minutes if topping browns too fast.
6. Rest & Serve
→ Let rest 10 minutes before serving (custard firms—no runny slices!).
→ Serve warm—straight from the dish or on a platter with a side of crusty bread.
Tips for Perfect Casserole (Joye-Approved!)
🔸 Slice onions evenly. ¼-inch thickness ensures uniform cooking. A mandoline helps—but a sharp knife works too.
🔸 Drain onions well. Wet onions = watery casserole. Pat dry with paper towels after simmering.
🔸 Room-temp eggs. Cold eggs cause lumps in the custard.
🔸 Don’t skip the rest time. 10 minutes = clean slices and cohesive layers.
🔸 Say “Ready?” before serving. It’s not superstition—it’s ritual. And rituals make food taste better.
Serving Suggestions (Joye’s Favorites!)
🥩 Classic pairing: Roast turkey or ham (especially at Easter!)
🥔 Comfort combo: With mashed potatoes and green beans
🍞 Midwest touch: Buttery cornbread or dinner rolls
🍵 Brunch darling: Top with a fried egg for Sunday morning
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Fridge (unbaked): Assemble, cover, refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake +5 mins.
Fridge (baked): Up to 3 days. Reheat covered at 325°F (15–20 mins).
Freezer (unbaked): Assemble (no topping), cover tightly, freeze. Thaw overnight, add topping, bake +10 mins.
Freezer (baked): Slice, wrap individually, freeze. Thaw overnight, reheat 20 mins @ 350°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use yellow onions?
A: Not recommended—Vidalias’ natural sweetness is essential. If unavailable, use Walla Walla or Texas Sweets.
Q: Why is my casserole watery?
A: Likely under-drained onions or cold eggs. Next time: drain onions very well + use room-temp eggs.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use coconut evaporated milk, DF cheddar (Violife), and vegan butter. Skip Ritz (not DF)—use GF butter crackers.
Q: Can I add bacon?
A: Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup crumbled cooked bacon with the onions—your bold-flavor love!
Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: Not with Ritz—but use GF butter crackers (like Simple Mills) for topping and base.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy (milk, cheese, butter), eggs, wheat (in crackers)
Gluten-free option: Yes—with verified GF crackers
Nut-free: Yes (naturally)
⚠️ Always check cracker and cheese labels for hidden allergens.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — 8 servings)
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 11g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbs | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 8g (naturally from onions) |
| Sodium | 580mg |
Values are estimates. Varies by cheese and cracker brands.
Final Thought
This casserole doesn’t arrive with fanfare.
It bakes quietly in the oven—butter melting into crumbs, onions softening into gold—until the kitchen smells like memory and mercy.
You scoop a portion. The top cracks under your fork. The onions are sweet and tender. The custard holds close.
And someone at the table sighs and says:
“This tastes like home.”
That’s the Midwest way—not perfection, but presence.
Not abundance, but enough.
Not haste, but care.
