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

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a delightful baked side dish featuring sweet onions layered with rich cheeses and herbs. Crisp, golden, and cheesy, they offer a delicious alternative to traditional onion rings. Perfect for any meal, this easy recipe brings comforting flavors to your table.

Ingredients

• Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
• Butter, cut into small pats
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese, sliced
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange the onion slices in a single layer in the prepared dish.
3. Step 3: Season the onions with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then place pats of butter evenly on top.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the onions, layer sliced provolone on top, and finish with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: (Optional) For extra crispiness, broil for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use Vidalia onions for a sweeter flavor, or yellow onions for a sharper bite.
• Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra depth.
• Substitute provolone with gouda or fontina for a different cheese profile.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the cheese texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake as directed before serving.

What can I serve with Tennessee Onions?

They pair well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as part of a vegetarian meal alongside salads or roasted vegetables.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 124 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a deliciously cheesy baked side dish featuring thickly sliced sweet onions layered with butter, Italian seasoning, and a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish offers a richer, more flavorful alternative to traditional onion rings.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American Southern

Ingredients

Onions

• Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick – 3 large onions

Seasonings and Butter

• Butter, cut into small pats – 4 tablespoons
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

Cheeses

• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
• Provolone cheese, sliced – 6 slices
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Onions: Place the ½ inch thick sliced sweet onions in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
3. Season and Butter: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the onions. Dot the top with small pats of butter to add richness as it melts.
4. Add Cheeses: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the onions, then layer provolone slices on top. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan over everything for a sharp, nutty flavor.
5. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
6. Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, switch the oven to broil and cook the dish for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the baked onions rest for 5 minutes to allow the dish to set slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best natural sweetness.
• Adjust seasoning to taste; Italian seasoning can be complemented with garlic powder if desired.
• Broiling at the end is optional but adds a nice crunchy top layer.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
• For a sharper cheese flavor, use aged Parmesan.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onions, cheesy onion side dish, baked sweet onions, cheesy side dish, onion recipe, southern side dish