Name: Tennessee Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3–4 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings); 1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon oregano; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution; 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Provolone); 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Jump to Recipe

If you are on the lookout for a show-stopping side or a comforting vegetarian dish to warm your table, Tennessee Onions will quickly become your new favorite. This dish combines sweet Vidalia onions, melted layers of luscious cheese, and a medley of simple spices to create a rich, savory delight. What makes Tennessee Onions truly special is the way the onions hold their rounds intact, giving every bite a perfect balance of tender texture and gooey cheese goodness. Trust me, once you try Tennessee Onions, they’ll steal the spotlight at any meal and have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential in bringing out the layered flavors and comforting texture of Tennessee Onions. Each component plays its part, whether enhancing sweetness, adding a melt-in-your-mouth creaminess, or contributing a touch of aromatic seasoning.

Vidalia sweet onions (3–4): Naturally sweet and ideal for slicing into perfect rings that stay together during baking.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Provides richness and helps everything meld beautifully in the oven.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the onion’s sweetness and balances all the flavors.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle garlicky depth without overpowering the dish.
Oregano (½ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle, herbaceous Italian flair to complement the cheese blend.
Italian blend cheese (1 cup): A mixture of mozzarella, parmesan, romano, asiago, and provolone—key for creamy richness and flavor complexity.
Cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings sharpness and that irresistible golden melt.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Topped last for a nutty, savory finish that frames the entire dish.

How to Make Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature ensures the onions soften nicely, and the cheeses get that perfect bubbly, golden crust without burning. Preheating is an often overlooked but crucial step for even cooking and maximum flavor development.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with non-stick spray. This simple step guarantees easy cleanup and prevents the onions and cheese from sticking to the pan as they bake into a scrumptious layered dish.

Step 3: Slice the Onions

Peel your Vidalia onions and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. A key tip here is not to separate the rings. Keeping the onion rings intact helps Tennessee Onions hold their shape and creates a beautiful presentation when served.

Step 4: Arrange and Season the Onions

Lay the onion rounds evenly in the prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and oregano across the top. These simple seasonings elevate the natural sweetness of the onions, infusing each bite with a balanced, savory aroma.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Cut the butter into small pats and distribute them evenly over the onions. As the butter melts during baking, it will envelop each onion slice in a rich, silky coating that makes the dish irresistibly decadent.

Step 6: Layer on the Cheese

Now for the best part: sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese over the buttered onions. Once covered, finish with a generous topping of Parmesan cheese for that deliciously sharp, nutty contrast that brings everything together.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Watch for a bubbling, golden cheese top and tender onions beneath. When done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute—it lets those flavors settle so every luscious mouthful melts on your tongue.

How to Serve Tennessee Onions

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over Tennessee Onions for a pop of green color and fresh flavor contrast. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add sophisticated sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the caramelized onions and cheese.

Side Dishes

Tennessee Onions are a wonderful companion to roasted meats or grilled chicken, but don’t overlook their vegetarian appeal alongside a crisp green salad or hearty grains. Their rich texture and sweet-savory profile make them a versatile option on any plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Tennessee Onions as an impressive appetizer by cutting them into squares or wedges and offering toothpicks for easy sharing. You can also pile them atop crusty bread for an open-faced indulgence or nestle a scoop beside a bowl of chili to add creaminess and sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Tennessee Onions completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Tennessee Onions for up to one month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve the melty cheese texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that glorious golden crust crisp and inviting.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for Tennessee Onions?

Vidalia onions are preferred for their natural sweetness and mild flavor, but sweet yellow onions can also work well. Avoid sharp or pungent onions to maintain the dish’s delicate balance.

Is it possible to make Tennessee Onions dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter for olive oil or a plant-based spread, and use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The layers of flavor remain delightful, just a bit different in texture.

Can Tennessee Onions be made ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and chill it before baking. Just bring it to room temperature before putting it into the oven to ensure even cooking.

How do I prevent the rings from falling apart?

Slicing Vidalia onions into slightly thick rounds and keeping the rings intact are key steps. Handling the slices gently when arranging them in the dish also helps maintain their structure.

What makes the cheese blend special in Tennessee Onions?

The Italian blend combining mozzarella, parmesan, and other Italian cheeses adds complexity, creaminess, and the perfect melty texture. Mixing it with cheddar balances sharpness and richness, creating a harmonious cheese topping.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee Onions are a delightful way to enjoy the sweetness of Vidalia onions elevated by butter, herbs, and a luxurious blend of melted cheeses. This recipe is straightforward but impressively flavorful and hands-down a crowd-pleaser. If you love food that feels both cozy and a little indulgent, give Tennessee Onions a try and prepare to be hooked for every occasion!

Tennessee Onions Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 8 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tennessee Onions is a comforting baked dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions layered with a flavorful blend of Italian cheeses and cheddar, seasoned with garlic powder and oregano, and enriched by melting butter. Perfect as a side dish or a savory treat, this recipe combines tender, caramelized onions with a golden, bubbly cheese topping for a deliciously satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

3–4 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings)

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon oregano

Dairy

4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution
1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, Provolone)
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and perfect melting of the cheeses.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Slice the Onions: Peel the Vidalia onions and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds, keeping the rings intact for structure and presentation.
Arrange and Season Onions: Lay the onion rounds evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for balanced, enhanced flavor.
Add the Butter: Cut the butter into eight pats and distribute evenly across the onion slices to melt and enrich the dish during baking.
Layer on the Cheese: Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onions, then top with Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the onions are tender. Remove, let cool briefly, then serve warm.

Notes

Use Fresh Vidalia Onions: They bring a natural sweetness that is perfect for this dish.
Customize the Cheese Blend: If Italian blend cheese is unavailable, combine Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone to replicate the flavors.
Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to increase or decrease garlic powder and oregano to suit your personal taste.
Serve Warm: This dish is best enjoyed freshly baked and warm to fully appreciate the melted cheese and tender onions.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American