Okay y’all, if you’re tired of the same old side dishes and want something comforting, creamy, and downright Southern, you’re in for a treat. Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole Recipe is the perfect recipe to liven up your dinner table. With layers of tender onions, crispy bacon, rich cream cheese, and melty sharp cheddar, this dish brings a cozy, home-cooked vibe that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.
Brenda’s kitchen wisdom shines through in this recipe-she’s not afraid to use what’s on hand, swap ingredients when needed, and pour in that Southern love. From the sizzle of bacon to the sweet aroma of softened onions, this casserole is pure comfort in a dish.
Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or just want a hearty weeknight side, this onion casserole will quickly become one of your favorites. Let’s dive into how you can make Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole right at home!
What Does Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole Taste Like?
This onion casserole is a beautiful harmony of flavors. The slow-cooked onions turn sweet and buttery, almost melting in your mouth with every bite. Bacon adds a smoky, savory depth that perfectly complements the creamy texture created by the cream cheese and milk mixture.
You’ll get a gentle tang from the pimentos, a bright pop of flavor that balances out the richness of the dish. And don’t forget the golden layer of sharp cheddar cheese bubbling on top-it adds a delightful sharpness and gooey finish that ties everything together.
Overall, it’s a casserole that’s creamy yet slightly crunchy from the onions, rich but not overwhelming, and bursting with Southern goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite!
Ingredients Required for Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole Recipe
- 5 large onions (or 7 medium), peeled and sliced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 small jar pimentos, drained
- 8 oz cream cheese (Brenda used a whole block instead of 4 oz)
- ⅓ cup milk (2% milk used, but whole milk preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste(optional)
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
- Large skillet or pan
- Paper towels
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls and Whisk
- Cheese grater and Strainer
- Baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
- Aluminum foil
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes (30 minutes covered + 5 minutes uncovered)
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 6–8
Copycat Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole Recipe
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole at home
1. Prep Onions and Bacon
Slice your onions thinly. Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble. Save bacon grease for another recipe if desired.
2. Caramelize Onions
In a large skillet, cook onions in melted butter over medium heat until soft and starting to caramelize.
3. Make Cream Mixture
Microwave cream cheese for about 10 seconds to soften. In a bowl, whisk softened cream cheese with ⅓ cup milk until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients
Add crumbled bacon (save one piece for snacking!), drained pimentos, salt, and pepper to the cream mixture. Mix well until creamy.
5. Assemble Casserole
Place cooked onions in a baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the onions, spreading evenly. Scrape every bit of “goodie” from your bowl-Brenda’s orders!
6. Bake Covered
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
7. Add Cheese
Remove foil, sprinkle grated sharp cheddar evenly on top, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve
Let cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole
1. With Juicy Roast Chicken
We’ve served this onion casserole alongside a classic oven-roasted chicken, and let me tell you-the sweet onions and crispy bacon balance beautifully with tender, savory chicken. It’s a Sunday dinner we’ll never forget!
2. Next to a Big Ol’ Steak
One evening, we made ribeye steaks and scooped this casserole right next to them. That creamy, cheesy goodness melted perfectly with the steak juices on the plate-absolute heaven.
3. Piled on Mashed Potatoes
You haven’t lived until you’ve spooned this casserole over buttery mashed potatoes. We did it once at a family gathering, and now everyone requests it!
4. With Crispy Fried Pork Chops
The crunch of fried pork chops paired with this soft, melty onion casserole is a texture match made in Southern comfort food paradise. We’ve had it for many weeknight dinners.
5. As a Savory Breakfast Side
One lazy Saturday, we reheated leftovers and served them next to scrambled eggs, Brenda Gantt Cornbread and toast. It was like a breakfast hash but better-perfect for a cozy morning.
6. Topped on Baked Potatoes
We love splitting open a baked potato and loading it up with a generous spoonful of onion casserole. The creamy cheese soaks into the potato-talk about comfort food!
7. Beside Slow-Cooked Pot Roast
We had this casserole with a slow-braised pot roast one winter evening, and the flavors mingled together so perfectly that everyone went back for seconds.
8. With Grilled Sausages
We once grilled some spicy sausages and served them with onion casserole on the side. The sweetness of the onions cut right through the heat of the sausage-unforgettable combo!
9. Over Toasted Bread or Biscuits
Sometimes, we toast thick slices of bread or Brenda Gantts White Lily Buttermilk Biscuits and pile warm onion casserole on top for an easy, hearty lunch. It’s like an open-faced Southern melt-so satisfying!
10. Alongside Green Beans or Collard Greens
Whenever we want to round out a meal with veggies, like Applebees Broccoli, we serve this casserole with braised collard greens or sautéed green beans. The freshness balances the rich, creamy casserole perfectly.
Some Tips on This Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole Recipe
1. Pick Big, Sweet Onions
Use big onions like Vidalia onions if you can. They get nice and sweet when you cook them!
2. Cut Onions Evenly
Try to slice your onions all the same size. This helps them cook the same way and makes your casserole yummy.
3. Save That Bacon Grease
Don’t throw away the bacon grease! You can use it later to cook eggs or veggies.
4. Soften Cream Cheese First
Warm your cream cheese in the microwave for 10 seconds. It mixes better when it’s soft!
5. Don’t Skip the Pimentos
Put those little red pimentos in your casserole. They add pretty color and tasty flavor.
6. Use a Big Bowl
Mix everything in a big bowl so nothing spills out. It makes cleaning up easier too!
7. Taste Before Baking
Take a tiny taste of your mix before baking. Add a pinch more salt or pepper if you need it.
8. Cover with Foil
Don’t forget to cover your dish with foil before baking. This keeps it moist and creamy.
9. Use Fresh Cheese
Grate your cheese from a block instead of using bagged cheese. It melts so much better!
10. Let It Cool a Little
After baking, let your casserole sit for 5 minutes. It will be easier to scoop and taste even better!
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole Properly
Store leftover onion casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or bake covered in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 large onions or 7 medium, peeled and sliced
- 6 slices of bacon cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 stick unsalted butter melted
- 1 small jar pimentos drained
- 8 oz cream cheese Brenda used a whole block instead of 4 oz
- ⅓ cup milk 2% milk used, but whole milk preferred
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese grated
- Additional salt and pepper to taste(optional)
Instructions
- Slice your onions thinly. Cook bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble. Save bacon grease for another recipe if desired.
- In a large skillet, cook onions in melted butter over medium heat until soft and starting to caramelize.
- Microwave cream cheese for about 10 seconds to soften. In a bowl, whisk softened cream cheese with ⅓ cup milk until smooth.
- Add crumbled bacon (save one piece for snacking!), drained pimentos, salt, and pepper to the cream mixture. Mix well until creamy.
- Place cooked onions in a baking dish. Pour the cream mixture over the onions, spreading evenly. Scrape every bit of “goodie” from your bowl-Brenda’s orders!
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, sprinkle grated sharp cheddar evenly on top, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
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Notes
Common Queries on This Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Brenda Gantt’s Onion Casserole that people often ask.
1. Are casseroles popular in the South?
Oh honey, absolutely! Down here in the South, casseroles are a staple at just about every gathering-from church potlucks to Sunday suppers. We love how easy they are to make ahead, how they feed a crowd, and how comforting they are. An onion casserole like this one is a perfect example of Southern hospitality on a plate.
2. What are the best onions for casserole?
From our kitchen experience, sweet onions like Vidalia onions are the best for casseroles. They get beautifully tender and sweet when cooked, adding rich flavor without overpowering bitterness. If you don’t have Vidalias, yellow onions or even white onions will work fine.
3. What’s casserole good for?
Casseroles are great when you need a hearty, make-ahead dish that feeds a bunch of hungry folks. They’re perfect for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, family reunions, or anytime you want something warm, comforting, and easy to serve. Plus, they’re fantastic for leftovers!
4. Can I make this onion casserole ahead of time?
Yes ma’am! We’ve found this casserole tastes just as good (or even better) when you make it ahead. Assemble everything, cover it, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just pop it in the oven when your guests arrive, and you’re set.
5. Do I need to use whole milk?
While the original recipe calls for whole milk, we’ve used 2% plenty of times when that’s all we had in the fridge. It still turns out creamy and delicious. The cream cheese helps keep it rich, so don’t worry if you don’t have whole milk on hand.
6. Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Sure can! We’ve tried adding thinly sliced mushrooms or even a handful of cooked spinach, and it turned out great. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture, or the casserole might get runny.
7. Is it necessary to cover the Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole while baking?
From our experience, covering it for the first 30 minutes helps the onions get soft and the flavors meld together. Uncovering it at the end lets the cheese melt and brown just right. Don’t skip this step-it’s the secret to that perfect texture!
8. Can I freeze Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole?
We don’t usually freeze it because the texture of the onions can get a little mushy after thawing. But if you have a lot left over, you can freeze portions in airtight containers for up to a month. Just reheat gently in the oven.
9. What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is our go-to for its bold, tangy flavor. But we’ve also tried Colby Jack and mozzarella in a pinch, and they were tasty too. Just stick with cheeses that melt well and give a good cheesy finish.
10. How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the onions are fork-tender, the edges are bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted and golden. If you see these signs, pull it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
This Brenda Gantt Onion Casserole Recipe is more than just a side dish-it’s a warm, cheesy hug on a plate! Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table.
Try it tonight, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. Happy cooking, y’all! Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
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I love how simple yet flavorful this recipe is. Definitely adding it to my weekly rotation!