Tennessee Onions Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, flavorful side dish featuring sweet onions baked to golden perfection. This comforting recipe blends three types of cheese with classic seasonings for a delicious addition to any meal.

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, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Use a mix of sharp and mild cheddar for a more complex cheesy flavor.
• Try substituting sweet onions with Vidalia or Walla Walla for the best sweetness.
• For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions 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 to maintain the cheese’s texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

While sweet onions like Vidalia are preferred for their natural sweetness, you can use yellow or white onions. The flavor will be stronger and less sweet but still delicious.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the cheeses with dairy-free cheese alternatives and replace butter with a plant-based margarine or oil to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 148 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a savory baked side dish featuring layers of sweet Vidalia onions smothered in a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic and herbs, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This comforting dish offers a rich and flavorful accompaniment to any meal.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

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

Cheese Blend

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

Seasoning & Butter

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

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Arrange Onions: Place the sliced sweet onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings for even cooking and flavor distribution.
3. Add Butter and Seasoning: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper uniformly over the onions to infuse them with aromatic flavor.
4. Top with Cheese: Distribute the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly across the onion layer to create a rich and melty cheese topping.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the onions to soften and flavors to meld.
6. Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, creating a delicious crust.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly after baking. Serve the Tennessee Onions warm as a flavorful side dish that complements a variety of mains.

Notes

• For best sweetness, use Vidalia or another mild sweet onion variety.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your cheese’s saltiness.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and baked before serving for convenience.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley after baking can enhance presentation and freshness.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onions, cheese side dish, Vidalia onions, cheesy onions, baked vegetable side