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Tennessee Onions Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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