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Tennessee Onions Recipe

4.6 from 144 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a rich and flavorful baked side dish featuring sweet onions smothered in a blend of melted butter, garlic, thyme, and three kinds of cheeses: cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. This savory dish combines the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions with aromatic herbs and a golden, bubbly cheese topping for an irresistible accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings

Cheeses

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings & Butter

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare Onions: Arrange the sliced onion rings in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings for even cooking.
  3. Add Seasonings: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Then sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly across the top for balanced flavor.
  4. Top with Cheese: Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses over the seasoned onions, creating a generous cheese layer.
  5. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This steams and softens the onions under the cheese layer.
  6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, adding a deliciously crisp texture.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy Tennessee Onions as a comforting, cheesy side dish perfect for any occasion.

Notes

  • Use sweet onions like Vidalia for best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Separating the onion rings ensures even cooking and prevents clumping.
  • Adjust the seasoning amounts based on your taste preference.
  • Covering the dish initially helps melt the cheese thoroughly and softens the onions.
  • For a sharper cheese flavor, substitute any cheese with your preferred variety like smoked Gouda or mozzarella.
  • Serve warm to best enjoy the gooey cheese and tender onions.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onions, cheesy onions, Vidalia onions, side dish, comfort food, American recipe, onion rings, baked cheese onion