Hey y'all! If you're craving a cheesy, melting, and deeply flavorful southern recipe, look no further than Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings. These swoon-worthy baked onions are smothered in gooey cheese, baked to golden perfection, and loaded with savory goodness. They're the perfect side dish for potlucks, BBQs, holidays, or any night you need something special instead of regular old onion rings. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Pairs fantastically with grilled meats, burgers, or even as a hearty vegetarian main.
- Bursting with a cheesy, savory flavor and irresistible tender-onion texture.
- Crowd-pleasing, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or a party.
- Bakes up beautifully with minimal hands-on prep, making your life easier.
Ingredients for Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
- 3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional – parsley or thyme)
How to Make Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
Step 1: Prep the Onions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Peel the sweet onions and slice them into ½-inch thick rings. Separate the rings carefully, keeping them whole.
Step 2: Lay Out the Onions
- Arrange the onion rings in a single, even layer in the bottom of your greased baking dish.
Step 3: Season and Cheese Them
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika evenly over the onions.
- Mix together the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle this cheesy blend generously over the onions, making sure to coat them well.
Step 4: Add the Butter
- Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the cheese and onions. This helps everything bake up rich and golden.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, golden brown, and the onions are fork-tender.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired. Scoop and serve hot!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Notes for Perfect Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the most classic southern flavor.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end (watch carefully!).
- Try mixing in a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick, or experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère for richer flavor.
Variations on Baked Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
- Keto-Friendly: Use only low-carb cheeses and add cooked bacon crumbles for extra protein.
- Tex-Mex Style: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and sprinkle with diced green chilies before baking.
- Mushroom & Onion: Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms beneath the onions for an earthy twist.
What Equipment Do You Need?
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
- Let cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for best results.
- Not ideal for freezing as the texture of onions changes upon thawing.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
- Serve alongside BBQ chicken, grilled steak, or pulled pork for a true southern feast.
- Enjoy as a hearty vegetarian main dish with a crisp green salad.
- This side also makes a unique topping for burgers or baked potatoes!
Pro Tips for Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
- Grate cheese fresh from the block for the ooziest and most flavorful melt (here's why).
- Layer onions evenly for consistent baking throughout – no overlapping!
- Use a combination of cheeses for the best flavor, and don't shy from a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra depth.
FAQ: Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving. - Do I have to use sweet onions?
Sweet onions are best, but yellow onions can also work—just expect a stronger flavor. - How can I make this dish lighter?
Reduce the cheese by ⅓ and use reduced-fat varieties. A light layer still tastes great! Find more cheese nutrition info here.
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
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2Arrange sliced onions evenly in the prepared baking dish, separating the rings.
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3Drizzle melted butter over the onions and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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4Evenly layer cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese over the onions.
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5Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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6Remove from oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
290 caloriescal
Protein:
12gg
Fat:
20gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
14gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
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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