Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a Southern classic that turns simple onions into a cheesy, bubbly, golden-brown side dish. With layers of sweet onions, butter, and a rich blend of cheeses, this dish is the perfect complement to barbecue, grilled meats, or holiday dinners. It’s comfort food at its finest—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 3–4 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ¼-inch rings
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Slice onions into rings and separate them. Place evenly in the baking dish.
4. Drizzle the melted butter over the onions.
5. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
6. Sprinkle mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan evenly over the top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
9. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.

Description

This dish is creamy, cheesy, and savory with the natural sweetness of onions shining through. The butter enhances the richness, while the blend of cheeses adds gooey texture and sharp flavor. Once baked, the onions soften into tender perfection beneath a golden cheesy crust. Tennessee Onions are a true comfort-food side dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Tips

• Onion choice: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best. Avoid strong, pungent onions.
• Cheese blend: Use your favorite cheeses—Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Colby can be swapped in for extra flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serving idea: Pairs beautifully with steak, grilled chicken, pork chops, or barbecue.

Correction

Many people make the mistake of overcooking the onions before baking. Do not sauté them first—the magic happens in the oven, where they soften and release their natural sweetness while soaking up the buttery, cheesy goodness.

Enjoy

Serve these Tennessee Onions hot and bubbly, straight from the oven, as a hearty side dish. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or a cookout, this dish will quickly become a crowd favorite.