Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Style (Better Than Onion Rings) Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Style is a delicious and comforting twist on classic onion rings. Layers of sweet onions are baked with a blend of three cheeses and aromatic herbs for a rich, melty dish that’s perfect as a side or snack.

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 oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Step 2: Separate sliced sweet onions into individual rings.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the onion rings with this seasoned butter until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses.
5. Step 5: Spread half of the buttered onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the mixed cheese over the onions.
6. Step 6: Top with the remaining seasoned onion rings, then cover with the rest of the cheese mixture.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy this cheesy twist on Tennessee Onions!

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of your favorite cheeses for a personalized flavor, such as mozzarella or smoked gouda.
• For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture for a subtle smoky heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the cheese’s texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving as it may make the cheese rubbery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other sweet or mild onion varieties like Walla Walla or Maui onions, but Vidalia onions offer the best balance of sweetness and texture for this dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free since it contains no breading or flour. Just ensure that all your cheese and ingredients are gluten-free certified if necessary.

Tennessee Onions: Cheesy Baked Style (Better Than Onion Rings) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 60 reviews

These Tennessee Onions are a delicious twist on classic onion rings, featuring layers of sweet Vidalia onions baked with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Coated in seasoned melted butter and baked until bubbly and golden, this cheesy baked dish offers a comforting and flavorful side that’s better than traditional fried onion rings.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

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

Seasoned 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Onion Rings: Carefully separate the sliced sweet onions into individual rings to ensure even cooking.
3. Toss Onions in Seasoned Butter: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the onion rings with this mixture until they are evenly coated, enhancing their flavor.
4. Mix Cheeses: In a separate bowl, blend together the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and grated Parmesan cheeses to create a rich, cheesy topping.
5. Layer Onions and Cheese: Arrange half of the buttered onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the mixed cheese over them.
6. Add Remaining Layers: Top with the remaining seasoned onion rings and cover with the rest of the cheese mixture, creating a layered casserole.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy this cheesy baked Tennessee onion dish as a delicious side or snack.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Feel free to adjust the cheese blend according to your taste preferences.
• For a crispier top, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats or a fresh green salad.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Tennessee onions, cheesy baked onions, baked onion rings, Vidalia onions, cheesy side dish, southern onion recipe, baked cheese onions