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Tennessee Onions Recipe – Better Than Onion Rings! Recipe

Tennessee Onions Recipe – Better Than Onion Rings! Recipe

4.9 from 8 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a delicious baked onion dish featuring whole Vidalia sweet onion rings layered with butter, seasoned with herbs and spices, and topped with a blend of Italian and cheddar cheeses. This comforting casserole provides a flavorful alternative to traditional onion rings by baking the onions to tender perfection under a golden, bubbly cheese crust, making it a perfect side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • 34 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings)

Seasonings & Butter

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution
  • 1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a subtle garlic kick
  • ½ teaspoon oregano – enhances the flavor with Italian flair

Cheeses

  • 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded for a touch of savory sharpness

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your onions cook evenly and the cheeses melt into a perfect, golden-brown topping.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This will help the onions and cheese bake without burning or sticking to the dish.
  3. Slice the Onions: Peel the Vidalia sweet onions and slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Don’t separate the rings—keeping them together gives the dish more structure and an appealing presentation.
  4. Arrange and Season the Onions: Lay the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for a well-balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions.
  5. Add the Butter: Cut the butter into eight pats and place them evenly across the onion rounds. The butter will melt as it bakes, coating the onions in a rich, delicious layer.
  6. Layer on the Cheese: Now it’s time to add the cheese! Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onions. Finish by topping it all with a final layer of Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the onions are tender. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm!

Notes

  • Use Vidalia onions or any sweet onion variety to enhance natural sweetness and balance the savory cheese.
  • Do not separate the onion rings to maintain the structure and presentation of the dish.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt, as cheeses can be salty.
  • Ensure the baking dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • This dish is best served warm to enjoy the melted, gooey cheese texture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to preserve texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, cheese baked onions, Vidalia onions, onion casserole, southern side dish, cheese topping onions