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A plate of freshly baked Tennessee onions garnished with melted cheese and herbs, served as a comforting side dish.

How to Make Tennessee Onions: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tennessee onions are a beloved Southern side dish, often featured at family cookouts and gatherings. This dish showcases sweet onions (like Vidalia) that are layered with cheese, butter, and seasonings, then baked to perfection. The result is a tender, caramelized onion dish with a rich, golden-brown cheese crust. It’s a perfect addition to any barbecue or Southern-inspired meal.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Onions:
    • 4–5 Vidalia onions (or substitute with Walla Walla, Texas Sweet, or Maui sweet onions)
  • Cheese:
    • 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded)
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
    • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • Butter:
    • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into 8 even pats)
  • Seasonings:
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
    • 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)
    • 1/4 teaspoon thyme or rosemary (optional)
    • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Other:
    • Aluminum foil for covering the baking dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Onions:
    • Cut off both ends of the onions and peel off the outer skin.
    • Slice the onions into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Make sure to separate the onion rings, keeping them in 2-3 ring clusters for best texture.
  3. Layer the Onions:
    • Place half of the sliced onions in the bottom of a greased baking dish, spreading them evenly.
    • Sprinkle the first layer with garlic powder, oregano, and salt.
    • Add half of the butter pats over the onions.
  4. Layer Cheese:
    • Mix the Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses in a bowl.
    • Sprinkle the first layer of cheese evenly over the onions.
  5. Repeat Layers:
    • Add another layer of onions on top, seasoning again with garlic powder and oregano.
    • Add the remaining cheese mixture and butter pats on top.
  6. Cover and Bake:
    • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
    • Bake for 40-45 minutes.
  7. Uncover and Continue Baking:
    • After 40-45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Rest and Serve:
    • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set and the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Cheese Substitutions: While Cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan work best, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or Asiago for different flavors.
  • Avoiding Watery Results: To prevent excess moisture, make sure to separate the onion rings before layering them. You can drain any liquid using a slotted spoon if needed.
  • Adjusting Seasonings: If using Cajun seasoning, reduce the amount of salt to avoid overpowering the flavor.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes until bubbly.
  • Author: Eva Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15-30 minutes
  • Category: Side dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://www.savorydelightrecipes.com/tennessee-onions-7-easy-tips-for/