Print

Tennessee Onions Recipe

Tennessee Onions Recipe

4.8 from 15 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a savory, cheesy baked onion dish that layers sweet Vidalia onion rings with a blend of dried herbs and spices, then melts mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan on top for a rich, comforting side. Perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions, this recipe is easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 2 1/2 lb. sweet Vidalia onions (3 large or 4 medium), peeled

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp. dried parsley
  • 1 tsp. dry mustard
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp. seasoned salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Cheese

  • 1 c. shredded mozzarella
  • 1 c. shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 c. finely grated Parmesan

Other Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • Cooking spray (for greasing)
  • Chopped fresh parsley, for serving
  • 1/2 c. water (to add to baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Dish: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. Lightly grease a 13” x 9” baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice the Onions: Place an onion on its side on a cutting board and slice vertically into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Separate each round into individual rings and then carefully restack them starting with the largest rings at the bottom, mimicking the onion’s original shape. Place the stacked onion rings in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this for all onions.
  3. Mix Seasonings and Cheese: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, dry mustard, garlic powder, seasoned salt, dried oregano, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. In a separate medium bowl, toss together shredded mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan.
  4. Season and Add Butter: Sprinkle the onion stacks evenly with the seasoning mixture and gently toss to coat well. Dot the onions on top with cubes of unsalted butter. Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap the moisture.
  5. Bake the Onions: Place the covered baking dish in the oven and bake for 75 to 90 minutes, until the onions are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork or metal tester.
  6. Add Cheese and Broil: Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese mixture evenly over the onions. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Turn on the broiler and broil the dish for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese browns in spots.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Notes

  • Use sweet Vidalia onions as their natural sweetness enhances the dish’s flavor.
  • To save time, prepare the onions up to step 4 in advance and bake when ready.
  • Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
  • This dish pairs excellently with grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, cheesy onions recipe, Vidalia onion dish, Southern side dish, baked vegetable side, comfort food