Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a cheesy, flavorful baked onion dish perfect as a comforting side. Combining sweet Vidalia onions with a blend of cheeses and herbs, this recipe is simple yet irresistible.

The image shows several thick, golden-brown onion rings stacked on a white dish filled with a creamy light brown sauce. Each onion ring has a crispy, slightly crumbly texture with some charred edges, creating a contrast of darker and lighter browns. Small green herb bits are sprinkled evenly on top and over the sauce, adding a fresh touch of color. The onion rings stand upright, giving depth and layers to the dish. The photo is taken close-up, capturing the detail of the crispy coating and smooth sauce beneath, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chopped fresh parsley before serving.
You can substitute sweet onions with yellow onions if Vidalia is unavailable, though the flavor will be less sweet.
Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor or mix in a little mozzarella for extra meltiness.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions 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 dish’s texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of crispy, golden-brown fried onion rings arranged closely together in a white rectangular dish. Each onion ring has layers of translucent white and light yellow onion with a crunchy, browned coating. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. There is some visible oil around the rings, making them look glossy and fresh. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian as it uses no meat. Just be sure to use cheeses that are labeled vegetarian-friendly, without animal rennet, if that is a concern for you.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 65 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a savory baked side dish featuring sweet onions layered with a rich blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and black pepper, then baked until bubbly and golden. This comforting dish pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses and is easy to prepare in under an hour.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

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

Cheese Blend

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

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Arrange the onions: Layer the sliced onions evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings for uniform cooking and even cheese coverage.
Add seasoning and butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions, then sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to infuse the dish with aromatic flavors.
Top with cheese: Evenly spread the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses over the onions to create a rich, cheesy topping that will melt beautifully.
Cover and bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to soften the onions and melt the cheese.
Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly, signaling the dish is ready.
Cool and serve: Allow the Tennessee Onions to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and the cheese set a bit. Enjoy as a delicious side dish.

Notes

Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a naturally sweeter flavor that complements the cheeses.
Separating the onion rings helps even cooking and cheese coverage.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt depending on the saltiness of your cheeses.
Covering during the initial bake prevents the cheese from burning before the onions soften.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a holiday feast.

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