Tennessee Onions Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, savory side dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions baked to golden perfection. This simple recipe combines a blend of three cheeses with aromatic herbs for a comforting addition to any meal.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, separating the rings.
3. Step 3: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: Top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly.
5. 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.
6. Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a delicious side dish!

Tips & Variations

• For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños before baking.
• Try swapping Monterey Jack for Mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor.
• Using sweet onions like Vidalia is key to balancing the savory cheese and herbs.
• To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, ensure your cheeses do not contain animal rennet.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions covered 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 melty and the onions tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, but sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best as they offer a milder, sweeter flavor that complements the cheese well.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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4.5 from 122 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a savory baked side dish featuring sweet onions layered with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic powder, thyme, and black pepper, then baked until golden and bubbly. This flavorful dish makes a perfect complement to any meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

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

Cheese Mixture

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

Seasoning & 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 sweet onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings for even cooking.
3. Season: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper across the onions to distribute the seasoning uniformly.
4. Add Cheese: Top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Spread the cheeses evenly to ensure consistent melting.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to cook the onions and melt the cheese.
6. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the Tennessee Onions to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them as a delicious, cheesy side dish.

Notes

• For best results, use sweet onions like Vidalia for natural sweetness and flavor.
• Ensure onions are sliced evenly to promote uniform cooking.
• Covering the dish during the first bake helps melt the cheese and soften onions while preventing cheese from burning.
• Removing the foil for the last 10 minutes enhances browning and creates a bubbly cheese topping.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted poultry.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onions, cheesy onions, sweet onion side dish, cheddar cheese onion bake, Monterey Jack cheese, Parmesan cheese, baked vegetable side, easy side dish