Welcome to the heart of Southern comfort food! This easy recipe brings you Tennessee Onions, a dish that’s rich, buttery, and incredibly satisfying. Imagine tender, sweet onions baked with a blend of savory spices and melted, gooey cheese.
This irresistible side of Tennessee Onions is perfect for any meal, adding a touch of warmth and flavor to your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Tennessee Onions Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Tennessee Onions recipe for many reasons.
- It uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients yet delivers a huge flavor punch.
- This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a festive holiday gathering.
- You can easily customize the cheese blend and adjust the spice level to your liking.
- It makes an ultimate savory side, or even a decadent topping for your favorite burgers.
- This recipe satisfies any craving for true Southern comfort food with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for these delicious Tennessee Onions:
- Cooking spray, to prep pan
- 2 1/2 pounds Vidalia onions, cut into 1/2-inch slices; may substitute Walla Walla or Maui onions
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or up to 1/2 teaspoon
- 1/4 cup salted butter, cut into pieces
- 4 ounces mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces smoked Gouda, shredded
Notes & Substitutions
- Sweet onion varieties like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are ideal for Tennessee onions due to their mild flavor and tender texture when baked. The Georgia Department of Agriculture provides information on Vidalia onion standards and history.
- For cheese, feel free to experiment; mozzarella or Parmesan are great additions. You can increase the cayenne pepper for more heat, or omit it entirely for a milder dish. Fresh herbs like chives or chopped parsley can also add a bright finish.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful dish.
- A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential for the layers.
- A mandoline slicer is optional, but it helps create perfectly even onion slices.
- A shallow bowl is useful for mixing the spices.
- Aluminum foil is necessary for covering the dish during baking.
Instructions For Tennessee Onions
Let’s prepare these delightful Tennessee Onions step-by-step. This recipe is designed to be beginner-friendly and time-saving.
Prep the Onions and Spices
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Carefully slice your onions into even 1/2-inch thick rounds; a mandoline slicer ensures uniformity for consistent cooking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the dried thyme, dried parsley, garlic salt, dried oregano, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Remember, you can adjust the cayenne from 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon for more heat, or omit it completely if you prefer no spice.
Build the Layers
- Begin layering your Tennessee Onions. Arrange half of the sliced onions evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a solid base. Sprinkle half of the combined spice mixture over these onions.
- Next, dot half of the butter pieces evenly over the spiced onions. Finally, top this layer with half of the shredded cheddar and smoked Gouda cheeses.
- Repeat this process with the remaining onions, spices, butter, and cheeses to create a second, equally delicious layer.
Bake to Golden Perfection
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until the onions are soft and tender, and the sides are bubbly.
- This initial covered baking step steams the onions perfectly. After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Your baked Tennessee Onions are ready! Serve them warm alongside grilled meats, barbecue, with burgers, or as a savory side dish to complement any meal.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving Perfect Texture
- Evenly sliced onions are key for consistent cooking; a mandoline can greatly assist this. To prevent watery Tennessee Onions, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Additionally, the uncovered baking step helps evaporate excess moisture.
- For an added crunch, consider sprinkling a layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Flavor Customization
- Experiment with different cheese blends for your Tennessee Onions. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick, while gruyere offers a nutty depth.
- You can enhance the herb flavors by adding a tablespoon of fresh chopped chives or finely minced rosemary to the spice blend. A splash of Worcestershire sauce or a teaspoon of smoked paprika can also deepen the savory notes.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Best Pairings
Serve these flavorful Tennessee Onions as a stellar side dish with grilled steaks, smoked brisket, or barbecue ribs. They are fantastic piled high on top of your favorite burgers or chicken sandwiches. They also complement roasted chicken or pork tenderloin beautifully, providing a rich, savory counterpoint.
For drink pairings, consider a crisp lager, a medium-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon, or a classic Old Fashioned.
Creative Variations
Elevate your Tennessee Onions with creative additions. Stir in some crispy, crumbled bacon bits during the final uncovered baking stage for smoky richness.
For an extra creamy texture, mix a can of cream of mushroom soup with a little milk and pour it over the onions before the final cheese layer. You can also add thinly sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to the layers for more vegetable goodness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
You can prepare this dish ahead of time for easy entertaining. Assemble the layers in your baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.
Properly store leftover Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. We do not recommend freezing this dish, as the onions can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
Nutrition Information
This nutrition table provides estimated values per serving. These figures can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
| Calories | 165 kcal |
| Carbohydrate Content | 9 g |
| Protein Content | 6 g |
| Fat Content | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 7 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 36 mg |
| Sodium Content | 445 mg |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 6 g |
| Unsaturated Fat Content | 3.4 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of onions work best for Tennessee onions?
Sweet onions like Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui are best. Their mild flavor caramelizes beautifully, creating the signature taste of these delicious Tennessee onions.
How do I keep Tennessee onions from getting watery when baked?
Slice your onions evenly and ensure your oven is fully preheated. The final uncovered baking step also helps evaporate excess moisture, resulting in perfectly tender, not watery, Tennessee onions.
Can I make Tennessee onions ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it. Add extra baking time for the covered portion if baking from chilled.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions recipe delivers classic Southern comfort with minimal effort. Its tender, buttery onions, savory spices, and gooey cheese make it an unforgettable side dish for any occasion.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful recipe as much as we do. Try this amazing Tennessee Onions recipe today, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Tennessee Onions
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Slice onions into 1/2-inch thick rounds. In a shallow bowl, mix thyme, parsley, garlic salt, oregano, mustard, and cayenne.
- Layer half the onions in the dish. Sprinkle with half the spice mix. Dot with half the butter pieces. Sprinkle half of both cheeses on top.
- Repeat the layering with remaining onions, spices, butter, and cheeses.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–30 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with grilled meats or burgers.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cayenne amount can be adjusted or omitted for milder taste.
- Cooking time includes covered and uncovered baking.
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