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
FAQs
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.
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.
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
Tennessee Onions: Ingredient Checklist
Core Ingredients:Cheese Group:Seasoning Group:Bake-Ready Tools for Tennessee Onions
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!
Dust them with: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
Rain down a glorious mixture of cheeses over your onions: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
Cheesy Onion Variations for Every Mood
Tennessee Onions: What to Serve Them With
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Tennessee Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
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.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal temperature for baking.
- Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully wash and peel Vidalia sweet onions, then slice them into uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick, maintaining the circular shape.
- Distribute the onion rounds evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a consistent layer.
- Generously sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and oregano over the onion layer to enhance flavor profile.
- Cut butter into eight equal portions and strategically place these pats across the seasoned onions, ensuring even distribution.
- Methodically layer Italian blend cheese, cheddar cheese, and finish with a generous coating of shredded Parmesan cheese to create a rich, melty topping.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for golden-brown cheese and bubbling edges.
- 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
Marcus Reed
Founder & Food Content Creator
Expertise
Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation
Education
Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.
Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.