If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm Southern hug on a plate, then you absolutely have to try this delightful Tennessee Onions Recipe. Perfectly sweet onions transform into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece with the comforting flavors of butter, garlic, and Italian herbs, all baked until bubbly and golden. It’s a simple yet irresistibly cozy side that brings fantastic flavor and a touch of indulgence to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tennessee Onions Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you might even already have in your kitchen. Each element contributes exactly what’s needed: sweetness from the onions, rich creaminess from the cheeses and butter, and a burst of seasoning to elevate every bite.
- Sweet onions (3-4, sliced): Their natural sweetness makes this dish shine and balances the savory cheese perfectly.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a mellow depth of flavor without overpowering the onions.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant blend of herbs that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and helps soften the onions.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings just a hint of spice to round out the taste.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Melts into the layers, adding richness and creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Provides sharp, bold flavor and gooey texture.
- Shredded Italian blend cheese or mozzarella (2 cups): Melts smoothly for luscious, stringy cheese goodness.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a salty, nutty crust that’s simply irresistible when baked.
How to Make Tennessee Onions Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to ensure your onions and cheese don’t stick and can brown beautifully.
Step 2: Slicing the Onions
Peel your sweet onions carefully, then slice them into rings. Separating the rings will help them cook evenly and allow every slice to soak up the delicious flavors layered on top.
Step 3: Seasoning the Onions
Sprinkle your sliced onions evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend brings out the onions’ natural sweetness while infusing the dish with aromatic herbal notes.
Step 4: Adding the Butter
Place slices of unsalted butter atop the seasoned onions. As the butter melts during baking, it’ll create a rich, velvety base for the cheeses to mingle with the onions.
Step 5: Layering the Cheeses
Next, layer the shredded cheddar and Italian blend or mozzarella cheeses over the onions and butter. Finish with a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese for that perfect golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese has melted, blistered, and turned a stunning golden color, bubbling up around the tender onions underneath.
Step 7: Ready to Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool just slightly. Serve it warm, and get ready to savor a side that’s creamy, sweet, savory, and utterly comforting.
How to Serve Tennessee Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives brightens this dish with a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note. It’s a simple touch that makes the Tennessee Onions Recipe even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This onion dish pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like grilled steak, baked chicken, or even BBQ ribs. Its cheesy richness also complements lighter dishes such as roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad, balancing the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Tennessee Onions Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or layer it between slices of toasted bread for a decadent onion melt sandwich. This recipe also shines as a topping on baked potatoes or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making great take-home meals or additions to future dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the Tennessee Onions Recipe if you want to enjoy it later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. Keep it frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Microwaving works for a quick fix but may soften the texture a bit.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?
While sweet onions work best for their mild flavor and natural sweetness, you can experiment with yellow or Vidalia onions. Just keep in mind that the final taste may be a little sharper or more pungent.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Tennessee Onions Recipe is completely vegetarian as it relies on cheese and butter without any meat ingredients, making it perfect for meat-free meals.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. The recipe is naturally gluten-free as it involves only onions, cheese, butter, and seasonings, but always double-check your spice blends and shredded cheeses just to be safe.
What’s the best type of cheese to use?
A mix of cheddar for sharpness, mozzarella or Italian blend for melty texture, and parmesan for a nutty crust is ideal. However, feel free to adjust cheeses based on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I add other seasonings or ingredients?
Definitely! Some people like adding a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also add a wonderful aroma and twist to the classic Tennessee Onions Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Tennessee Onions Recipe—it’s comfort food at its finest, combining simple ingredients into a dish that feels both homey and celebratory. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cheesy, buttery baked onion dish will become a favorite you revisit time and again. Give it a try and let these tender, flavorful onions steal the spotlight on your table!
Print
Tennessee Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee Onions is a savory baked onion casserole layered with a blend of cheeses and seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and spices. This comforting side dish features sweet onion rings smothered in cheddar, Italian blend, and parmesan cheeses, baked to golden perfection for a rich and flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Onions and Seasonings
- 3–4 sweet onions, sliced into rings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Butter and Cheeses
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese or mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Onions: Peel the sweet onions and slice them into rings. Separate the rings gently and arrange them evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Season the Onions: Evenly sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper over the onion rings to infuse them with flavor.
- Add Butter: Place slices of unsalted butter evenly atop the seasoned onions to add richness and help with caramelization during baking.
- Layer Cheeses: Spread the shredded cheddar cheese over the onions, then add the Italian blend or mozzarella cheese, and finally sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheeses are thoroughly melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm as a deliciously cheesy and savory side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian blend cheese with mozzarella or any mild melting cheese if preferred.
- For a sharper flavor, consider using sharp cheddar cheese.
- Make sure to slice onions uniformly for even cooking.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone vegetarian side.
- Use unsalted butter to control salt levels; adjust seasoning accordingly.
