Tennessee Onions Recipe
If you’ve ever thought onions couldn’t be the star of a show, get ready to rethink that with these amazing Tennessee Onions. This dish features sweet, tender Vidalia onions layered with a blend of luscious cheeses and a flavorful seasoning that bakes into a golden, bubbly delight. The magic lies in the simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients that come together to create a side dish so irresistibly savory and comforting, it’s destined to become a household favorite. Trust me, once you try these Tennessee Onions, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Tennessee Onions is in the simplicity of the ingredients, each bringing something special to the table — from the sweetness of Vidalia onions to the rich, melty cheeses that create the perfect golden crust. Grab these essentials to make magic happen in your oven.
- 3–4 Vidalia sweet onions: Their natural sweetness is essential for the perfect onion base without overpowering sharpness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Cut into pats to melt evenly, adding richness and moisture throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors, adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, subtle garlic kick without overwhelming the delicate onion flavor.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Brings a hint of herbal Italian flair that complements the cheese and onions beautifully.
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese: A fantastic mix including Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone for fully rounded cheese flavor.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, balancing the sweeter and milder cheeses.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for an extra touch of savory, nutty sharpness.
How to Make Tennessee Onions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up while you prep everything. This steady temperature is perfect for the onions to cook gently while giving the cheese a chance to melt into that gorgeous golden perfection.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with non-stick cooking spray. This little step helps prevent sticking and makes cleaning up easier later, allowing your Tennessee Onions to slide right out beautifully after baking.
Step 3: Slice the Onions
Peel your Vidalia onions and slice them into uniform ¼-inch thick rounds. Be sure not to separate the rings—keeping them intact adds both structure and visual appeal to your final dish.
Step 4: Arrange and Season the Onions
Lay the onion rounds in a single layer across the base of the prepared dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano evenly to season each bite, accentuating the natural sweetness with just the right herbaceous and savory notes.
Step 5: Add the Butter
Divide the butter into eight small pats and distribute them evenly across the onions. As they bake, the butter will melt and coat everything in rich, delicious moisture, enhancing flavor and texture.
Step 6: Layer on the Cheese
Now for the cheesy goodness! First, sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar evenly over the onions. Then finish with a generous layer of Parmesan cheese on top. This combination creates a beautiful, bubbly crust with a tangy nutty finish.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know your Tennessee Onions are ready when the cheese is melted and golden brown and the onions are tender to the touch. Let it cool slightly before serving warm and enjoy every cheesy, sweet bite.
How to Serve Tennessee Onions
Garnishes
To elevate your Tennessee Onions even further, try garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Their fresh herbal notes brighten the dish and add a lovely pop of green color, giving it a homemade, inviting look.
Side Dishes
Tennessee Onions pair beautifully with hearty mains like grilled steak, roast chicken, or pork chops, adding a sweet and savory contrast. They also shine alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp, fresh salad to balance textures and flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique twist, serve Tennessee Onions in individual ramekins for a personal, elegant touch. Alternatively, layer them on top of toasted baguette slices for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or scatter them over a baked potato for a cheese-laden upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Tennessee Onions left over (which might surprise you!), allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, making for delicious next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
You can freeze Tennessee Onions by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the texture might soften slightly after thawing — still tasty, just a bit less crisp.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve that delightful cheesy crust and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions instead of Vidalia for Tennessee Onions?
While Vidalia onions are ideal due to their natural sweetness and mild flavor, you can substitute with other sweet onion varieties like Walla Walla or Maui onions. Avoid stronger onions like yellow or red as they may overpower the dish.
Is it possible to make Tennessee Onions vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese blends that melt well. The onions will still shine through with a lovely sweet, rich flavor.
Can I add other herbs or spices to enhance the flavor?
Definitely! Fresh thyme or rosemary can add an earthy note, or a pinch of smoked paprika can introduce a subtle smoky depth. Just be cautious not to overwhelm the sweet onion base.
How thick should I slice the onions?
Slice the onions about ¼-inch thick and keep the rings intact for optimal texture and presentation. Thinner slices may become too soft while thicker may take longer to cook through evenly.
What should I serve with Tennessee Onions for a complete meal?
They work wonderfully alongside roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even as a cheesy topping on baked potatoes. Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal that’s full of flavor and comfort.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Tennessee Onions highly enough—whether you’re cooking for company or just craving a cozy, comforting side dish. The combination of sweet Vidalia onions, buttery richness, and melty cheeses creates a delicious dish that’s surprisingly simple yet spectacularly flavorful. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly Tennessee Onions become a beloved favorite in your kitchen, bringing warmth and joy to every meal.
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Tennessee Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee Onions is a warm, comforting baked dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions layered with a flavorful blend of Italian cheeses, cheddar, and Parmesan. Butter, garlic powder, oregano, and salt enhance the natural sweetness of the onions, making this side dish perfect for any Southern-inspired meal or a delicious vegetarian option.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 3–4 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings)
Dairy & Cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your onions cook evenly and the cheeses melt into a perfect, golden-brown topping.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This will help the onions and cheese bake without burning or sticking to the dish.
- Slice the Onions: Peel the Vidalia sweet onions and slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Don’t separate the rings—keeping them together gives the dish more structure and an appealing presentation.
- Arrange and Season the Onions: Lay the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for a well-balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions.
- Add the Butter: Cut the butter into eight pats and place them evenly across the onion rounds. The butter will melt as it bakes, coating the onions in a rich, delicious layer.
- Layer on the Cheese: Now it’s time to add the cheese! Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onions. Finish by topping it all with a final layer of Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the onions are tender. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm!
Notes
- Use Fresh Vidalia Onions: Vidalia onions bring a natural sweetness to the dish, making them the ideal choice.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: If you can’t find an Italian blend, mix Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone cheeses in equal parts for similar flavor.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to modify the amount of garlic powder and oregano to taste.
- Slicing: Keep onion rings intact to maintain the dish’s structure and appealing look.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm as a side dish with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (~150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, Vidalia onions recipe, cheesy baked onions, Southern side dish, vegetarian side dish
