Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings

If you love sweet, tender onions and cheesy comfort food, these Tennessee Onions are about to become your new favorite side dish. Thick slices of sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow) are baked with a delicious trio of melty cheeses, butter, and herbs until golden and bubbling. This Southern-inspired dish is easy to make and perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or any time you want to elevate your onion game.

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Why You’ll Love Tennessee Onions recipe?

Bursting with flavor: The sweetness of the onions blends beautifully with mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses to create a rich, savory bite.
Simple and approachable: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of any skill level.
Comfort food classic: Buttery and cheesy with a golden crust, it’s a warm and cozy addition to any meal.
Versatile side dish: Complements grilled meats, roasted poultry, or vegetarian mains beautifully.
Family favorite: The creamy, gooey texture makes it a hit with kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 3 tbsp butter, cut into small pats
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ins
  Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda for a different cheese flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for an aromatic twist.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for mild smoky heat.
• For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil and use part-skim cheeses.

Instructions

• Preheat and prepare
  Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness.
• Arrange onion slices
  Place the onion slices in a single even layer in the baking dish so they cook uniformly.
• Season onions and add butter
  Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the onions. Dot the top with butter pats.
• Add cheese layers
  Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the onions, then layer the provolone slices. Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top.
• Bake
  Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
• Optional broil
  For extra crispy cheese, broil the dish for 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Rest before serving
  Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to help flavors meld and cheese set slightly.
• Tips for Prep
  Choose large sweet onions like Vidalia for their natural mildness that balances the rich cheese perfectly.
• Store-bought pre-sliced onions work fine just ensure they are about ½ inch thick for even cooking.
• Buttering the dish adds essential flavor and helps prevent sticking.

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Serves: 4 to 6

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed and bubbly.
Avoid the microwave to keep onions from getting soggy.
Prepare ahead and bake just before serving when hosting.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Serve alongside grilled barbecue chicken, ribs,
Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for color and freshness.
A squeeze of lemon juice before serving cuts through the richness nicely.
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Variations to Try

Add cooked crumbled turkey bacon for smoky crunch.
Stir in chopped jalapeños or hot sauce between layers for some heat.
Make vegetarian by omitting turkey bacon and using olive oil instead of butter.

Cultural Note

Tennessee Onions are a beautiful example of Southern comfort cooking simple, accessible ingredients turned into a dish full of warmth and richness. The sweet Vidalia onions, grown in the American South, perfectly suit this baked cheesy preparation. This recipe takes traditional comfort elements and gives them a modern, cheesy twist that’s sure to delight any crowd.