Tennessee Onions are a Southern comfort side dish that turns simple onions into a cheesy, savory, bubbling casserole. Thick slices of sweet onions are layered with a blend of cheeses, butter, and seasoning, then baked until tender and golden. I love making this dish for cookouts, holidays, or any meal that could use a rich and flavorful side.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms humble onions into something totally crave-worthy. The baking process mellows the onions, making them soft and sweet, and the cheese and butter create an irresistible topping. It’s incredibly simple to make and pairs well with grilled meats, casseroles, or just about any comfort food meal.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Sweet onions (like Vidalia), thickly sliced
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Salt and black pepper
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Garlic powder
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Butter, sliced or melted
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Cheddar cheese, shredded
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Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
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Mozzarella cheese, shredded
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
directions
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I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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I slice the onions into thick rounds (about ½ inch thick) and separate them into rings.
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I layer the onion rings evenly in the baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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I top the onions with slices or dollops of butter, spreading it evenly.
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I sprinkle all the shredded cheeses generously over the onions, covering them completely.
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I bake the dish uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
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I let it cool slightly before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 and takes about 45 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake.
Variations
Sometimes I add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a little heat. I also love using a mix of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a bolder flavor. For a heartier version, I’ve added crumbled cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms before baking.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. If the cheese looks a bit dry after reheating, I add a small splash of cream or broth before warming.
FAQs
What kind of onions should I use?
I use sweet onions like Vidalia, but yellow onions work too. The sweetness balances the richness of the cheese and butter.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble it up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. I let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though I prefer to shred it myself for better melting. Pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian-friendly as long as the cheeses are made with vegetarian rennet.
What pairs well with Tennessee Onions?
I serve them with grilled steak, barbecue chicken, burgers, or as a side for any hearty dinner.
Conclusion
Tennessee Onions are a rich, cheesy side dish that brings out the best in sweet, tender onions. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, I get a bubbling, golden casserole that’s packed with flavor and comfort. Whether it’s for a potluck, holiday spread, or weeknight dinner, this Southern classic always delivers.
Print
Tennessee Onions
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee Onions are a Southern-style casserole made from sweet onions baked with butter and a trio of cheeses until bubbly and golden. This cheesy, comforting dish is easy to prepare and makes a perfect savory side.
Ingredients
- 3–4 large sweet onions (like Vidalia), thickly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons butter, sliced or melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish lightly.
- Slice onions into thick rings (about 1/2 inch) and separate into individual rings.
- Layer onion rings in the baking dish and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dot with butter or pour melted butter evenly over the onions.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until onions are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- Use smoked gouda or sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
- Include crumbled bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate; bake after resting at room temp for 20 minutes.
- Reheat with a splash of cream or broth if cheese dries out.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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