If you’re ready for a side dish that will absolutely steal the show, look no further than Tennessee Onions. This Southern classic combines layers of tender sweet onions with a golden trio of cheeses and a handful of pantry spices, all baked together until irresistibly bubbly and aromatic. Whether you serve it alongside a weekend barbecue or bring it to a potluck, Tennessee Onions are one of those foolproof dishes that always draw rave reviews – and have everyone asking for the recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such a short ingredient list can create such tremendous flavor! Each component of Tennessee Onions has a special role to play, so don’t skip or skimp – the magic is in their combination.
- Sweet onions (such as Vidalia): Use 3 to 4 large onions, sliced into rings for that signature Southern sweetness and beautiful texture.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and drizzled over the onions, butter adds richness and helps everything meld together as it bakes.
- Garlic powder: Just half a teaspoon provides a subtle, savory base that enhances the natural sweetness of the onions.
- Onion powder: Deepens the onion flavor, complementing both the fresh onions and other spices.
- Dried oregano: Brings a light herbal note that brightens up this deeply cheesy, comforting dish.
- Paprika: Adds gentle color and a touch of warmth—not spicy, but definitely flavorful.
- Salt: Wakes up all the flavors; don’t forget this step!
- Black pepper: A little bite from black pepper balances out the richness of the cheeses and onions.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, giving our Tennessee Onions that signature gooey pull.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is a must for bold flavor and gorgeous color when baked.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth and that perfect golden finish.
How to Make Tennessee Onions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Onions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Grab your sweet onions, slice them into 1/4-inch rings, and then gently separate them. Layer the onion rings evenly across the bottom of your dish. Don’t worry about making it look perfect—rustic is the name of the game here, and every layer soaks up all that cheesy goodness in the oven.
Step 2: Add Melted Butter
Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the onions. This might seem like a simple step, but the butter is what transforms the onions into a melting, luscious base for the cheese. It’s important to get a little butter over every corner so nothing dries out as it bakes.
Step 3: Sprinkle on the Seasonings
Mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Then, evenly sprinkle this aromatic blend over the onions. This is where Tennessee Onions start to smell absolutely divine, building big flavor with just a few shakes.
Step 4: Layer the Cheeses
Time for the main event: scatter the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the seasoned onions, making sure you cover every last ring. Finish with the grated Parmesan cheese to achieve that beautiful browned, bubbly top. These three cheeses together create a flavor and texture trifecta you’ll crave again and again.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes. When you see golden cheese and bubbling edges, you know the Tennessee Onions are ready! The onions become tender and sweet, while the cheese offers the ultimate melty topping.
How to Serve Tennessee Onions
Garnishes
Tennessee Onions are already a showstopper, but a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives brightens the rich flavors and adds a splash of color just before serving. If you love a little crunch, a handful of crispy bacon bits on top is a fantastic (and highly recommended) extra.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with grilled steaks, burgers, roasted chicken, or barbecue favorites to turn any meal into a Southern feast. Tennessee Onions are also wonderful alongside simple roasted potatoes or crisp green salads, giving every plate a gooey, cheesy kick.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping Tennessee Onions into individual ramekins for upscale dinner parties, or serve them rustic-style straight from the baking dish at a family cookout. For an appetizer version, offer slices on the side with toasted baguette or crackers—a surefire way to start a meal with flavor and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Tennessee Onions, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days, and the flavors only deepen and meld as they sit.
Freezing
Tennessee Onions freeze surprisingly well. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, bake them in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through—about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven will give you the best gooey cheese topping and perfectly soft onions.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While Vidalia or other sweet onions are traditional and offer fantastic flavor, you can use yellow or even red onions for a slightly different taste and a pop of color.
Is it possible to make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
Yes! You can completely assemble the dish (including the cheese layer), cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
Can I add protein or extra veggies to this dish?
Definitely! Cooked bacon or a sprinkle of diced ham makes this side extra hearty, and chopped bell peppers or jalapeños add a colorful, flavorful twist. Just make sure everything is pre-cooked before adding to the mixture.
What’s the best way to slice the onions?
For Tennessee Onions, slice them into consistent 1/4-inch rings. Separating them ensures even cooking and lets that cheesy goodness seep into every bite.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking. Remove it only for the last 15 to 20 minutes so the cheese melts evenly and develops a golden top without drying out or scorching.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Tennessee Onions before, prepare to be amazed by just how much crowd-pleasing flavor can come from such humble ingredients. Whether you’re treating family or impressing friends, there’s something about cheesy, bubbling, golden-topped Tennessee Onions that everyone finds comforting and irresistible. Give this recipe a try soon—you just might discover your new favorite side dish!
Print
Tennessee Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee Onions are a delightful baked onion dish loaded with cheese and flavorful seasonings, perfect as a side dish or appetizer.
Ingredients
Onions:
- 3 to 4 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into 1/4-inch thick rings
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer onions: Spread the sliced onions evenly in the baking dish, separating the rings as you layer them.
- Add seasonings: Drizzle the melted butter over the onions. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, then sprinkle evenly over the onions.
- Add cheeses: Layer the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, then finish with the grated Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Serve hot as a side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Tennessee Onions pair well with grilled meats, burgers, or roasted chicken.
- For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or swap in pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Use a mix of yellow and red onions for added color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
