Savory, cheesy, baked Tennessee Onions – a simple, melty, flavorful, comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish perfect for any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The real charm of Tennessee Onions lies in its simplicity—classic ingredients, each bringing something special to the party. Let’s break down how every item adds flavor, richness, or that extra bit of coziness to your finished dish.
- Sweet Vidalia onions: Their natural sweetness mellows out during baking and becomes the perfect base for this side.
- Unsalted butter: Adds luscious richness and helps everything meld together beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Lends a subtle, savory undertone without overpowering the onions.
- Kosher salt: Brings out the onion and cheese flavors, enhancing every bite.
- Freshly ground black pepper: A little kick of heat to balance the creaminess.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream and gives that classic stretchy cheese factor.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds beautiful color and a tangy zing.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Offers salty, nutty depth that puts this dish over the top.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness as a finishing touch.
How to Make Tennessee Onions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This makes sure the onions don’t stick and helps with that gorgeous cheesy crust later on.
Step 2: Slice and Layer the Onions
Peel your onions and slice them into generous 1/4-inch rounds. Evenly layer the rings in your baking dish, giving them a gentle shake so they spread out—this lets that savory goodness soak into every piece.
Step 3: Drizzle and Season
Pour the melted butter over the onions, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a soft toss with your hands or a spatula to ensure each onion ring gets coated in flavor—don’t be shy!
Step 4: Layer on the Cheese
Now for the magic touch: Blanket the seasoned onions with the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Go for an even coverage, but if a little extra piles up in the corners, all the better for those golden bubbly edges.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Let the onions bake for 30 minutes so they soften up in all that cheesy, buttery goodness.
Step 6: Uncover and Finish Baking
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. At this point, Tennessee Onions really come to life—the onions are fork-tender, and the top turns gloriously golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Scatter a bit of fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh note if desired. Serve the dish warm and enjoy every melty, savory bite!
How to Serve Tennessee Onions
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finish—it looks inviting and adds a gentle herby note. You could also try thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of smoked paprika on top for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Side Dishes
Tennessee Onions are fantastically versatile. They’re a natural alongside grilled meats, smoked barbecue, or roast chicken. Try pairing them with a crisp green salad or fluffy mashed potatoes to balance out the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon portions of Tennessee Onions into individual ramekins for a dinner party, or pile them on slices of toasted baguette for a cheesy onion crostini. You can even use them to top burgers or grilled sausages for an over-the-top flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the onions cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors will continue to meld and deepen.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Tennessee Onions, wrap the cooled dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave works in a pinch—just cover loosely to avoid drying out the cheese.
FAQs
What makes Tennessee Onions different from French onion soup?
These onions skip the broth and focus on a hearty cheese-topped bake, which results in a thicker, richer side dish rather than a soup. The emphasis is on sweet, roasted onions and gooey cheese, not a savory liquid.
Can I use yellow or white onions if I can’t find Vidalia?
Absolutely! While Vidalias add extra sweetness, any sweet or mild onion will work. Just avoid onions that are overly pungent or sharp for the classic Tennessee Onions flavor.
Is it possible to make Tennessee Onions ahead for a party?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to the point before baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, just bake as directed—allowing an extra few minutes if baking from cold.
Can I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your seasonings and cheese labels to be sure they’re gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.
What kinds of cheese work best in this recipe?
Mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan are classic, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a little pepper jack for heat. The cheese blend gives Tennessee Onions their signature flavor and oozy texture.
Final Thoughts
I promise, after one bite, Tennessee Onions will earn their place in your regular recipe rotation. There’s just something irresistible about sweet onions mingling with gooey cheese and buttery goodness. Don’t wait for the next potluck to give this dish a try—bring a little Southern comfort to your table any night of the week!