Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions are a delicious and comforting dish that elevates any meal with their sweet, savory flavor and cheesy goodness. With their origins in the South, this dish brings a taste of home-style cooking that everyone can enjoy. Whether you serve them as a side for a barbecue or a flavorful accompaniment to a hearty meat dish, Tennessee Onions are sure to be a hit.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 260
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 350mg

Why Make This Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions are the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The sweet onions soften beautifully in the oven, creating a caramelized, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the melty, cheesy topping. This dish is simple enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to serve at gatherings. It provides a comforting, home-cooked feel, making it an excellent choice for family meals or potluck events.

How to Make Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Preparation

Prep your oven by preheating to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure an even bake.

Step 2: Mixing

Slice the three large sweet onions into ¼-inch rings and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread them out so they overlap slightly, which will help them cook evenly.

Step 3: Seasoning & Drizzling

Pour the melted butter over the arranged onion rings. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste. This blend adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the onions.

Step 4: Adding Cheese

In a mixing bowl, combine the sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Scatter this cheesy mixture generously over the seasoned onions, ensuring every bite will be flavorful.

Step 5: Baking

Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell delightful during this time!

Step 6: Serving

Once baked, let the dish cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm as a delectable side for steak, chicken, or alongside your favorite barbecue dishes.

How to Serve Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions make a fantastic side dish, particularly with grilled meats. Pair them with steak, rotisserie chicken, or ribs for a rich flavor contrast. You can also serve them with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. They’re perfect for a casual family dinner or a festive barbecue gathering.

How to Store Tennessee Onions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them, although the oven will help retain their crispy texture.

Expert Tips for Perfect Tennessee Onions

• Choose Sweet Onions: Using varieties like Vidalia will give you the best flavor. Their natural sweetness complements the richness of the cheese beautifully.
• Don’t Rush Baking: Allow the onions to bake properly; this brings out their natural sugars and enhances their flavor.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to try different combinations of cheese, such as Gruyere or Gouda for a unique twist.

Delicious Variations

• Add Veggies: Consider adding sliced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggie goodness.
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use yellow onions instead of sweet onions?
  Yes, but the flavor will be sharper. Add a little sugar to balance the taste if using yellow onions.

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving.

• Is this dish vegetarian?
  Yes, Tennessee Onions are vegetarian-friendly! Ensure your cheese choices are also vegetarian if needed.

• Can I freeze leftover Tennessee Onions?
  Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

• What main dishes pair well with Tennessee Onions?
  They complement many dishes, especially BBQ, grilled meats, and roasted chicken.

Conclusion

Tennessee Onions bring joy to the table with their rustic charm and delightful flavors. They’re an easy but impressive side that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Give Tennessee Onions a try, and see how they can transform your next meal!

Tennessee Onions

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 65
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and comforting dish featuring sweet onions baked with a melty cheesy topping.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large sweet onions
• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Slice the onions into ¼-inch rings and arrange them in the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
3. Pour melted butter over the onions and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. In a bowl, combine cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, then scatter over the onions.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm as a side dish.

Notes

For best flavor, use sweet onions like Vidalia. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.

• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 50
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 30mg