Tennessee Onions Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, savory side dish perfect for any meal. Sweet onions baked with a blend of three cheeses create a rich and comforting flavor that’s sure to please. This easy recipe will become a favorite addition to your dinner table.

Ingredients

• 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, separating the rings.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a delicious side dish!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper before baking.
• Try adding cooked bacon bits or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top before serving.
• Use different cheese blends such as mozzarella or Gruyere for a unique twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out the cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other sweet onions or even yellow onions, but Vidalia onions are recommended for their mild, sweet flavor that complements the cheese well.

Can I prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a savory baked side dish featuring sweet onion rings smothered in a blend of melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. This comforting, cheesy casserole-style recipe is perfect to accompany a variety of main courses and brings a rich, flavorful twist to ordinary onions.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings

Cheeses

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Others

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for the onion layering.
2. Arrange Onions: Place the sliced onion rings in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring the rings are separated for even cooking and coverage.
3. Add Butter and Seasonings: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Then, sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the layered onions to infuse flavor.
4. Add Cheese Layers: Spread the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the seasoned onions, creating a rich cheesy topping.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the onions to soften and the cheese to melt gently.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the baked Tennessee Onions to cool slightly before serving to ensure the cheese sets a bit and the dish is safe to eat. Enjoy as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Make sure to separate the onion rings to allow even cooking and cheese coverage.
• You can substitute cheeses based on availability, but a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan offers the best balance of melt and flavor.
• Covering the dish while baking helps soften the onions before browning the cheese topping uncovered.
• Letting the dish rest for a few minutes improves serving texture and flavor melding.

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, cheesy onion side dish, sweet onions, southern side dish, onion casserole, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese