If you’re craving comfort food at its absolute cheesiest, Tennessee Onions are about to become your new obsession. This irresistibly gooey Southern side dish features thick rings of sweet onions smothered in bubbling layers of three cheeses and butter, all baked together until they practically melt in your mouth. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to cozy up with something hearty, Tennessee Onions deliver that perfect blend of creamy, savory, and just a touch of sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Tennessee Onions lies in its down-to-earth simplicity. Each ingredient here plays a star role, whether it’s bringing creaminess, punchy flavor, or that golden cheesy crust nobody can resist.

Sweet Vidalia onions: Their natural sweetness mellows with baking and provides the iconic mild bite this dish is known for.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Lends a stretchy, melty factor that perfectly coats every onion ring.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds pronounced flavor and that glowing, orange “pull apart” look.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a savory punch and helps the top brown beautifully.
Garlic powder: Amplifies the savory notes, mingling smoothly with the cheeses and onions.
Onion powder: Doubles down on onion flavor for deeper richness.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the best in the onions and cheeses—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds a hint of gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the onions.
Unsalted butter: Dotting the top, these buttery pats melt down to create a rich, silky casserole.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a splash of color and a fresh finishing note.

How to Make Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of butter or nonstick spray to ensure nothing sticks and those lovely, gooey cheese edges are easy to serve later.

Step 2: Slice and Layer the Onions

Grab 3–4 large sweet Vidalia onions and cut them into thick, ½-inch rings. Gently separate the rings and scatter them in your prepared baking dish, laying them out so they cover the bottom evenly. Don’t be afraid to crowd them a little—they’ll soften and shrink as they bake.

Step 3: Season Generously

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper all over the onion rings. This step ensures every bite of Tennessee Onions has a hit of cozy, savory flavor in the background.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

Next, layer the shredded mozzarella and sharp cheddar evenly over the onions. Shower the top with the grated Parmesan cheese to create a bubbly, golden-brown crust when baked. The mixture of cheeses is what makes Tennessee Onions so irresistibly creamy!

Step 5: Dot With Butter

Place the pats of unsalted butter evenly across the top of the cheese. As it melts, it will soak into everything, ensuring a rich, silky finish and helping the top turn a luscious golden color.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and beautifully browned here and there.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the Tennessee Onions cool for a few minutes to set slightly. Scatter with freshly chopped parsley, if you like, for a splash of green and a pop of freshness.

How to Serve Tennessee Onions

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley wakes up the cheesy richness with a hint of herbal flavor and vibrant color. You could also add sliced green onions or, for a little decadence, a crumble of cooked bacon on top for a Southern feast.

Side Dishes

Tennessee Onions pair up beautifully with just about any grilled or roasted meat—think juicy steak, barbecued chicken, or even pork chops. They’re also great alongside a crisp green salad or piled onto a slice of toasted, crusty bread for an ultra-comforting option.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try spooning Tennessee Onions into individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or serve as a hearty dip at your next get-together with a big basket of baguette slices or sturdy crackers. They can also be layered into baked potatoes for an over-the-top side that steals the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftover Tennessee Onions tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, retaining both flavor and creamy texture for delicious second helpings.

Freezing

You can freeze Tennessee Onions, though the texture of the cheese may change slightly upon thawing. Let them cool completely, then wrap the pan tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat Tennessee Onions in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. For smaller portions, a few minutes in the microwave on medium power works well, though oven reheating is best for preserving that irresistible cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish

Absolutely! While sweet Vidalia onions are the classic choice for Tennessee Onions, you can use any large sweet or yellow onion if Vidalias aren’t available. Just keep in mind that other varieties might not be as sweet and mild, so the final flavor could change a bit.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, Tennessee Onions are entirely vegetarian as written. Just make sure your brands of cheese and butter are made with vegetarian-friendly rennet if that’s important to you.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Great news—Tennessee Onions are naturally gluten-free! As long as your cheeses and seasonings don’t contain any hidden gluten, you can serve this dish to gluten-free friends without any modifications.

Can I prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just let the baking dish sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing in the oven to prevent cracking.

What can I do to add even more flavor?

For a flavor boost, sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the cheese layer before baking, or toss in a pinch of smoked paprika. You could also use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for extra depth.

Final Thoughts

If you love dishes that are unfussy yet comforting to the core, you simply have to give Tennessee Onions a place at your table. The cheesy, melty layers and melt-in-your-mouth onions are proof that simple ingredients can create magic. Go ahead—treat yourself and watch these become a new household favorite!

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tennessee Onions is a delicious and cheesy side dish that features sweet Vidalia onions baked with a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. This Southern-inspired dish is flavorful and comforting, perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions:

3–4 large sweet Vidalia onions, sliced into ½-inch thick rings

Cheese Mixture:

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Other:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into pats
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare Onions: Arrange sliced onions in the baking dish, sprinkle with seasonings.
Add Cheeses: Layer mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over onions, sprinkle with Parmesan.
Add Butter: Place butter pats evenly on top, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove foil, bake uncovered until cheese is golden brown. Let cool slightly, garnish with parsley.