Sizzling Tennessee Onions Recipe: A Southern Comfort Classic

Southern comfort meets pure deliciousness with these mouthwatering Tennessee onions that promise to steal the show at any dinner table.

Layers of sweet onions melt into a creamy, cheesy sensation that transforms an ordinary side dish into something extraordinary.

Crispy edges and golden-brown tops create a texture that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

The blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan creates a rich, tangy coating that perfectly complements the tender onions.

Baked until bubbly and golden, these onions offer a simple yet elegant addition to your meal.

Each bite brings a harmony of flavors that speaks to classic Southern cooking.

You’ll want to make extra because these onions disappear faster than you can serve them.

Storing Tennessee Onions for Later Enjoyment

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat to 350F. Place in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy cheese top.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm to avoid rubbery texture.

FAQs

• What type of onions work best for this recipe?

Vidalia sweet onions are recommended due to their mild, sweet flavor that caramelizes beautifully when baked. These onions provide a perfect base for the cheesy topping and create a delicious, tender result.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While the recipe calls for an Italian blend, cheddar, and Parmesan, you can experiment with similar melting cheeses like mozzarella, monterey jack, or gruyere. Just ensure they melt well and complement the onions’ natural sweetness.

• Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, Tennessee Onions are vegetarian-friendly. The recipe contains no meat, making it a great side dish or vegetable-based appetizer that can be enjoyed by those following a vegetarian diet.

Why Tennessee Onions Are So Addictive and Cheesy

• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, even beginners can master this delightful dish.
• Multiple cheese varieties create a rich, melty experience that transforms ordinary onions into an extraordinary side dish bursting with flavor.
• Works brilliantly as a side dish for family dinners, potlucks, barbecues, or holiday gatherings, guaranteed to impress guests with its delicious combination of sweet onions and gooey cheese.
• Requires just a few minutes of preparation and minimal kitchen skills, delivering a warm, satisfying dish that feels like a comforting homemade treat without extensive cooking time.

Tennessee Onions: Ingredient Checklist

• Vidalia Sweet Onions: These special onions provide a naturally sweet and mild flavor as the base of the dish.
• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy foundation that helps the onions caramelize and adds depth to the recipe.

• Italian Blend Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses combine to create a complex, melty, and flavorful topping that complements the sweet onions.

• Salt, Garlic Powder, Oregano: These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile, adding depth and complexity to the onion base.

Bake-Ready Tools for Tennessee Onions

• Baking Dish: 9×13-inch rectangular pan for even cooking and serving.
• Cooking Spray: Non-stick spray to prevent ingredients from sticking.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise onion slicing.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing onions.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning measurements.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for fresh cheese shredding.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dish.

Steps for Baking Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C), creating the perfect cozy environment for your cheesy onion adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray, ensuring nothing sticks behind.

Step 3: Slice Those Sweet Onions

Gently wash and peel your Vidalia sweet onions.

Slice them into beautiful, uniform rounds about 1/4 inch thick.

Keep the rounds together – no individual rings allowed!

Step 4: Create the Onion Base

Spread those gorgeous onion rounds across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Flavor Magic

Time to wake up those onions!

• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Oregano

Let the seasoning dance begin!

Step 6: Dot with Buttery Goodness

Cut butter into eight even pats and distribute them lovingly across the seasoned onions.

Each pat should find its perfect spot.

Step 7: Cheese Cascade

• Italian blend cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Shredded Parmesan

Create a blanket of cheesy wonderment that will make mouths water.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the warm oven.

Let it bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and starts bubbling with excitement.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Bring this cheesy masterpiece to the table right away.

The warmth and aroma will have everyone diving in immediately!

Tips for Gooey, Golden Tennessee Onions

• Use a sharp knife to create even, uniform onion rounds for consistent cooking and beautiful presentation.
• Layer cheeses from bottom to top to create a rich, gooey texture that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Spread butter pats evenly to ensure each onion slice gets maximum flavor and prevents dry spots.
• Replace traditional cheeses with low-fat alternatives and use minimal butter for a healthier version of this decadent dish.
• Allow onions to reach room temperature before baking to promote even cooking and prevent soggy edges.

Cheesy Onion Variations for Every Mood

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace onions with cauliflower florets for a keto-friendly version that maintains the cheesy, savory profile while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and cashew-based cheese for a plant-based option that delivers similar creamy texture and flavor.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, and chives instead of oregano to create a more complex and aromatic herb-infused cheese bake.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, and use pepper jack cheese to transform the recipe into a zesty, heat-packed side dish that brings extra kick to the table.

Tennessee Onions: What to Serve Them With

• Tasty Companion Dishes: Pair these Tennessee Onions with grilled steak for a hearty meal that will satisfy meat lovers.
• Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits or chopped fresh chives on top to add extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Side Dish Harmony: Complement the cheesy onions with roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a balanced plate.
• Party Pleaser Presentation: Serve in a rustic cast-iron skillet directly from the oven to create a stunning, family-style centerpiece that will impress guests.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort shines in this Tennessee onions recipe that elevates humble ingredients into a creamy, cheesy side dish. Rich caramelized onions blend with melted cheese, creating a hearty accompaniment you’ll crave at family gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Main Vegetable Ingredient:

• 3–4 Vidalia sweet onions

Seasoning and Fat Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1 teaspoon (3 grams) garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1.5 grams) oregano

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal temperature for baking.
2. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Carefully wash and peel Vidalia sweet onions, then slice them into uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick, maintaining the circular shape.
4. Distribute the onion rounds evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent layer.
5. Generously sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and oregano over the onion layer to enhance flavor profile.
6. Cut butter into eight equal portions and strategically place these pats across the seasoned onions, ensuring even distribution.
7. Methodically layer Italian blend cheese, cheddar cheese, and finish with a generous coating of shredded Parmesan cheese to create a rich, melty topping.
8. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden-brown cheese and bubbling edges.
9. Remove from oven and serve immediately while cheese remains hot and melted for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Select sweet Vidalia onions for the most mellow, delicate flavor that melts beautifully during baking.
• Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Choose high-quality cheeses with good melting properties like sharp cheddar and fresh Parmesan for maximum flavor complexity.
• Adjust baking time slightly for crispier or softer onions depending on personal preference, watching cheese browning carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg