Hey y'all! If you're looking for a cheesy, melty, irresistible side dish that's sure to outshine your classic onion rings, let me introduce you to Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings. This Southern favorite brings sweet, tender onions together with gooey cheese and savory seasonings for a bubbly, golden masterpiece. Whether it's a backyard BBQ, family dinner, or holiday gathering, these onions always steal the show. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Super simple prep – just slice, layer, and bake!
- Melty cheese and caramelized onions create addictive flavor.
- Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any comforting meal.
- Keeps well – great for prepping ahead or leftovers.
- Customizable with different cheeses or add-ins.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), peeled and sliced into ½-inch rings
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Slice and Layer the Onions
- Peel the onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings and spread them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheese
- Sprinkle onions with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Layer the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the onions.
Step 4: Add Butter
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cheese and onions.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the onions are tender.
- Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispier top.
Notes
- For extra richness, use a mix of yellow and sweet onions.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for meltier texture—bagged cheese can be a bit drier.
- Slicing onions uniformly ensures even cooking.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes or diced jalapeños before baking.
- Bacon Lover's: Top with cooked, crumbled bacon for smoky flavor.
- Herb Twist: Swap Italian seasoning for fresh thyme or rosemary.
Required Equipment
- Large knife and cutting board
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese yourself)
- Small mixing bowl (for melted butter)
Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F until warmed through. Not recommended for freezing, as the onion and cheese texture may change.
Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations
- Serve alongside grilled steak, roasted chicken, or pulled pork.
- Pair with Southern sides like cornbread, greens, or baked beans.
- Add a crisp green salad to balance out the cheesy richness.
Pro Tips
- Choose sweet onions for more natural caramelized flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking for cleaner slices.
- Finish with a quick broil for extra crispy, bubbly cheese.
FAQ
- Can I use another type of onion?
Yes, yellow onions work well, but sweet onions are best for flavor and tenderness. - Can I make Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
Absolutely – assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. - What other cheeses can I use?
Try pepper jack for spice or Gruyère for extra richness—just keep the total cheese amount the same.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes
Servings: 6-8, as a side
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), peeled and sliced into ½-inch rings
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
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2Layer the sliced onions evenly in the prepared baking dish, separating the rings.
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3Drizzle the melted butter over the onions and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
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4Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the onions. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
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5Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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6Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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