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Tennessee Onions 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Cover and bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to soften the onions and melt the cheese.
  6. 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.
  7. 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