You’ve heard of Tennessee whiskey, but how about Tennessee onions? They’re not as well-known, but every bit as deserving of appreciation.
Imagine sweet Vidalia onions, caramelized and elevated with a trio of gooey, melted cheeses and seasonings.
They’re bold, comforting, and complement practically any dish.
Serve them with grilled meats, roasted veggies or as a standalone appetizer. They’ll add a touch of Southern charm to any meal.
Why You’ll Love These Tennessee Onions
Versatile Pairing: Pile them on top of grilled steaks or on the side of roasted chicken. Or try them with vegetarian dishes, such as stuffed portobello mushrooms or lentil loaves.
Southern Comfort Food: The gooey, melted cheese and tender, caramelized onions really hit the spot. They’re warm, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights in.
Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of three cheeses – sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan – is unbelievable. It creates a rich, savory taste that’ll leave your tastebuds craving more. Oh, and the onions are yummy, too.
Ingredients
- Sweet Onions: Vidalia onions work best because they have the most natural sweetness. Other suitable sweet onion varieties include Texas sweet, Walla Walla, or Maui onions.
- Unsalted Butter: Slice it thinly and add it to the top. It will melt down into the onions, caramelizing them and giving them a rich flavor.
- Seasonings: To complement the onions’ sweetness, you’ll use a blend of thyme, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and mustard powder.
- Sharp Cheddar: The first of the three cheeses. It provides a bold, sharp flavor and a bubbly golden top. It’s also packed with protein.
- Mozzarella: Milder and creamier, mozzarella helps blend everything nicely. It ties all the flavors together and contains beneficial probiotics.
- Parmesan: Adding nutty aged Parmesan to the top adds one final pop of cheesy goodness. It also makes the top nice and crispy!
How to Make Tennessee Onions
I made Tennessee Onions for the first time last weekend and let me tell you, my taste buds are still singing!
This dish is like a warm, cheesy hug for your soul.
I was a little skeptical at first (I mean, a whole dish of onions?), but the combination of sweet Vidalia onions, savory seasonings, and a heavenly trio of cheeses won me over in a heartbeat.
Here are the steps for making tasty Tennessee onions:
1. PREP. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish in butter or cooking spray.
2. SLICE & SEASON. Peel and slice the onions, then toss in the spice blend. Arrange the onions evenly in the baking dish.
3. BUTTER & CHEESE. Dot the cubed butter over the onions then top it all off with the three cheeses.
4. BAKE. Bake the onions uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes. The onions should be tender and the cheese nice and gooey, bubbling with a few brown spots on top.
5. SERVE HOT. Remove the onions from the oven, cool for about 5 minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tennessee Onions
If you’re looking to jazz up your dinner routine, give Tennessee Onions a try.
I served it up as a side dish, but I have to admit, I could’ve easily devoured the entire pan myself!
Here are a few tips to remember so yours are just as drool-worthy:
- Onion selection. Sweet varieties are the only ones that work, and Vidalia is my top choice. Be sure to avoid yellow onions, red onions, or even regular white onions.
- It’s okay to overlap. Arrange the onions evenly in the baking dish. It’s fine to overlap them as it gives you some crispy ones on top and softer ones below the surface.
- Distribute the spices evenly. It’s best to combine the spices in a bowl and then toss in the onions. That way, they’ll be more evenly coated.
- Don’t substitute margarine. Real butter is best for these tasty onions. Be sure it’s a high-quality brand, as well.
- Shred the cheeses yourself. Avoid using bagged shredded cheeses as they don’t melt well. Instead, shred it fresh from a block.
- Tweak the recipe as you like. Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gouda or Gruyere, or try adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
How to Store
I’m serious when I saw you won’t have leftovers if you serve these bad boys.
In fact, I think they were the first to go at my last family dinner. I should’ve made double – I will next time!
But if you do happen to have some left, here’s what to do:
To Store: Transfer cold leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: Reheat chilled leftovers at 350°F for 20-30 minutes with some fresh butter dotted over the top. Cover the dish with foil and broil, if needed, at the end.
Note: I don’t recommend freezing Tennessee onions. The texture just won’t be the same after thawing.
That said, you can assemble the dish, cover it, and chill it a day in advance. Let it warm slightly as the oven preheats and bake as instructed.
More Southern Sides You’ll Love
Cajun Potato Salad
Pineapple Cheese Casserole
3-Ingredient Ranch Cornbread
Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes
Tennessee Onions
8
servings5
minutes40
minutes199
kcalTennessee onions feature sweet Vidalia onions, caramelized and elevated with a trio of gooey, melted cheeses. They’re rich, tasty, and oh-so-comforting.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 cup unsalted butter
3-4 large sweet onions (preferably Vidalia)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the thyme, parsley, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Set aside.
- Peel and slice the onions into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Separate the slices into individual rings and transfer them to the bowl with the spices. Toss until all the slices are well coated, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Cut the butter into thin slices or small cubes and layer evenly over the seasoned onions. Finally, sprinkle the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the onions are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown on top. For an extra crispy finish, broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving hot as a side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- It’s okay if the onions overlap in the baking dish. Just be sure to distribute all the ingredients evenly on top of them.
- For the best taste, use real butter, not margarine. Also, shred the cheese from a block for the best melty finish.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as Gouda or Gruyere. You could also try adding red pepper flakes for heat.
