Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a comforting, cheesy side dish featuring layers of sweet onions and a blend of three cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly, this recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the onions with a flavorful herb and garlic touch.

The dish shows several golden brown, crispy fried onion rings standing upright in a white bowl with a creamy light yellow sauce pooling around them. Each onion ring is thick, with layers visible and edged in crunchy, toasted breading with small bits of seasoning. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled evenly on top of the onion rings and sauce, adding a fresh touch of color against the warm brown and yellow tones. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For a smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
Use a mix of sweet and yellow onions for a more complex flavor profile.
If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

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 to keep the cheese melted and onions tender.

How to Serve

The dish shows several round, golden-brown onion rings arranged closely together inside a white square dish. Each onion ring has multiple layers, with crispy, browned edges and a softer, light yellow center. Tiny green herb leaves are scattered on top of the rings, adding a fresh touch. The rings appear coated with a glistening layer of oil or butter, making them shine under the light. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, mild cheeses like mozzarella or fontina will also work well if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

Are Tennessee Onions gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients, but always check labels on pre-shredded cheeses and spices to ensure they are gluten-free.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 146 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a flavorful baked side dish featuring sweet onions layered with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbly, this dish offers a comforting and savory complement to any meal.

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

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

Seasonings and Butter

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the onions don’t stick during baking.
Prepare Onion Layer: Arrange the sliced sweet onions in an even layer in the baking dish, carefully separating the rings for even cooking.
Add Seasonings and Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions, then sprinkle the garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to infuse the dish with flavor.
Top with Cheese: Evenly spread the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan over the onion layer for a rich, cheesy topping.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to gently cook the onions and melt the cheeses without burning.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese crust on top.
Cool and Serve: Let the dish cool slightly before serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

You can substitute sweet onions with yellow onions if preferred, though sweetness adds to the flavor.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings.
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as part of a hearty Southern-style meal.
Ensure to slice onions evenly for uniform baking and flavor distribution.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onion casserole, cheesy onions, Southern side dish, baked cheese and onions