Tennessee Onions Recipe: Better Than Onion Rings!

Ah, the humble onion—so versatile, so flavorful, and yet, so often overlooked until it’s the star of the show. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a game-changing recipe that will make you wonder how you ever lived without it: my Tennessee Onions Recipe. Imagine tender, caramelized onions smothered in a rich, cheesy topping that’s sure to become your new favorite side dish. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you’re looking for a creative way to use up extra onions or a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. So, let’s dive in and explore why this Tennessee Onions Recipe is about to become your go-to dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a simple, stress-free recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• The combination of sweet onions and savory cheese creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
• It’s a great way to use up extra onions and turn them into something truly special.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 3-4 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution
• 1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds a subtle garlic kick
• ½ teaspoon oregano – enhances the flavor with Italian flair
• 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded for a touch of savory sharpness

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the pinnable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s break this down step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

1. Preheat the Oven – Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your onions cook evenly and the cheeses melt into a perfect, golden-brown topping.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish – Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This will help the onions and cheese bake without burning or sticking to the dish.
3. Slice the Onions – Peel the Vidalia sweet onions and slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Don’t separate the rings—keeping them together gives the dish more structure and an appealing presentation.
4. Arrange and Season the Onions – Lay the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for a well-balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions.
5. Add the Butter – Cut the butter into eight pats and place them evenly across the onion rounds. The butter will melt as it bakes, coating the onions in a rich, delicious layer.
6. Layer on the Cheese – Now it’s time to add the cheese! Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onions. Finish by topping it all with a final layer of Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
7. Bake to Perfection – Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the onions are tender. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your Tennessee Onions Recipe turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Vidalia Onions – Vidalia onions are naturally sweet and are the best choice for this recipe. If you can’t find Vidalia onions, look for another sweet onion variety.
• Don’t Overmix – Once you’ve layered the onions and cheese, resist the urge to stir or mix. This could disrupt the even cooking of the dish.
• Add Some Crispy Texture – For a bit of crunch, try adding some crispy onion chips on top of the cheese before baking. You can make your own onion chips by thinly slicing onions, separating the rings, and baking them in the oven until crispy.

How to Serve

These Tennessee Onions are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• As a Side Dish – Pair it with your favorite main course, like roasted chicken, beef, or pork. It’s also a great addition to a holiday meal!
• As a Snack – Let’s be honest, this dish is so good you’ll want to eat it straight from the pan. Consider making a smaller batch as a snack or appetizer.
• As a Topping – Use it as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or even salads for a burst of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later use:

• Make Ahead – You can prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
• Storage – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Freezing – While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the onions may become slightly softer upon thawing. For the best results, freeze the unbaked dish and bake it straight from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

And there you have it—my Tennessee Onions Recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a new side dish, a creative way to use up extra onions, or a dish that’s perfect for a sheet pan meal, this recipe delivers. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!