introduction

Tennessee Onions are a delightful and cheesy side dish that combines the sweetness of Vidalia onions with a savory blend of cheeses and buttery goodness. This dish is not only easy to make but also creates a comforting and flavorful experience, perfect for any occasion.

why make this recipe

Why you will love this recipe

Tennessee Onions offer a warm, cheesy comfort that everyone enjoys. This dish is quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. It is also budget-friendly since onions and cheese are relatively inexpensive. Whether you’re serving it at a weeknight dinner, a family brunch, or a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

how to make Tennessee Onions

Step-by-step overview

Making Tennessee Onions is straightforward and requires just a few steps to create a delicious side dish. Here’s how to put it all together:

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Slice the Onions: Clean and peel the Vidalia sweet onions. Slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick and separate the slices into individual onion rings.
Season the Onions: Spread the onion rings out evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
Add Butter and Cheeses: Cut the unsalted butter into eight pats and distribute them over the onion rings. Then, sprinkle the Italian blend cheese, cheddar cheese, and finally top with shredded parmesan.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and enjoy while warm.

how to serve Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a simple salad. They are also great for serving at potlucks or family gatherings, as they can be shared easily and appeal to a wide range of taste preferences.

how to store Tennessee Onions

To store leftover Tennessee Onions, let them cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave, but they are best enjoyed fresh.

tips to make Tennessee Onions

For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme before baking.
You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more garlic powder or other spices if desired.
If you want a bit more texture, try adding some breadcrumbs on top before baking.

variation

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Gouda or mozzarella can be delicious alternatives to the suggested cheeses. Adding cooked bacon or ham can also elevate this dish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, while Vidalia onions are sweet and preferred, you can use other types of onions. Just note that stronger onions like yellow or red onions may change the overall flavor profile.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use vegan cheese. There are many delicious vegan cheese options available that can still provide a similar cheesy flavor.

Can I prepare Tennessee Onions in advance?

Yes, you can slice the onions and prepare them in the baking dish a day ahead. Just cover the dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it convenient for hosting gatherings!

Tennessee Onions

A delightful cheesy side dish made with sweet Vidalia onions and a savory blend of cheeses, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Onion Preparation

4 pieces Vidalia onions, cleaned and sliced into rings Other types of onions can be used if desired.

Seasoning and Topping

1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder Adjust to taste.
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pats
1 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded Can substitute with other cheese.
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Clean and peel the Vidalia onions, then slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick and separate them into individual rings.
Spread the onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish and season them with salt, garlic powder, and oregano.
Cut the unsalted butter into eight pats and distribute them over the onion rings, then sprinkle the Italian blend cheese, cheddar cheese, and finally top with shredded parmesan.

Baking

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and enjoy while warm.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in chopped herbs like parsley or thyme before baking. You can adjust seasoning to your taste, adding more garlic powder or other spices. For texture, try adding breadcrumbs on top before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.