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If youโve never had Tennessee Onions before, get ready to meet your new favorite side dish. This simple Southern classic is what happens when humble ingredients come together to create something surprisingly delicious. With layers of sweet onions, loads of cheese, and a buttery finish, itโs a comforting, crave-worthy bake that fits right in at cookouts, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
It’s budget-friendly, takes minimal prep, and has a melty, golden top thatโs just irresistible. Best of all, itโs one of those dishes that people keep sneaking seconds of when they think no oneโs watching!
Pantry Ingredients You Will Need
- Sweet onions: Vidalia onions or another sweet variety of yellow onion works best for their mellow flavor.
- Butter: Salted butter helps soften the onions and adds richness to every bite.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that signature cheesy pull.
- Cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness to balance the sweetness of the onions.
- Parmesan cheese: A nutty layer of flavor that crisps up nicely on top, you can substitute with pecorino Romano or asiago cheese.
- Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering the onions.
- Kosher Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor.
Optional swap: You can add a touch of hot sauce or sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick, or use Gruyรจre in place of mozzarella for a more gourmet vibe.
How to Make Tennessee Onions
- Prep your dish: Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Slice the onions: Cut the onions into thick ringsโabout ยฝ inch slicesโand separate them into individual rings.
- Layer it up: Spread the onions in an even layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Butter and cheese: Dot with slices of butter, then layer the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30โ35 minutes, until the onions are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before digging inโthis is one side dish that steals the spotlight!
Quick Tips
Use a mandoline for even slices and quicker prep.
Donโt skimp on the cheeseโitโs what makes this dish a star!
For a deeper caramelized flavor, sautรฉ the onions for a few minutes before layering.
This dish can be prepped ahead and baked when readyโjust cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftover Tennessee Onions can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ยฐF until warmed through, or microwave individual portions if youโre in a hurry.
Serving Ideas
This cheesy baked onion dish pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled lemon chicken is amplified with this side dish.
- Barbecue pulled pork is tender and juicy.
- Fried chicken in the oven is crispy and tender.
- The best Meatloaf you’ll ever try.
- Our House Salad makes a light meal base.
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Tennessee Onions Recipe
Equipment
- baking dish
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 4-5 sweet onions, sliced into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 6 pieces
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350หF. Coat a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Arrange 1/2 of the onions on the bottom of the casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic powder, onion powder, italian seasoning, dry mustard, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Sprinkle half the seasoning over the onions. Repeat with remaining onions and seasoning.
- Arrange the butter on top of the onions and top evenly with Cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and dried parsley.
- Bake in the preheated oven until onions are tender and cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges, approximately 35 minutes.
Notes
- Onion Tip: Use sweet onions for the best flavor. Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui onions work great.
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyรจre or Monterey Jack if you want a different flavor profile.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve as a cheesy side dish with grilled steak, pulled pork, or roasted chicken.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
