Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions is a cheesy baked side dish that offers a delicious alternative to classic onion rings. Combining sweet onions with a blend of melted cheeses and herbs, this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

• Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
• Butter, cut into small pats
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese, sliced
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish.
2. Step 2: Arrange onion slices in a single layer in the dish.
3. Step 3: Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add pats of butter on top of the onions.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the onions, then layer sliced provolone cheese on top. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6 (optional): For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Use Vidalia onions for a sweeter flavor or yellow onions for a more robust taste.
• Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
• For a richer dish, mix some cream cheese with the shredded mozzarella before layering.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara for extra zest.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through and bubbly again. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute or add other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for different flavors, but mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan create the classic melty, savory combination.

Are Tennessee Onions gluten-free?

Yes, this dish contains no gluten ingredients, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet as long as you double-check your seasoning blends for any additives.

Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 58 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a delicious cheesy baked side dish featuring thick-cut sweet onions layered with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with Italian herbs and butter, this dish offers a flavorful alternative to traditional onion rings, delivering a golden, bubbly, and irresistible accompaniment to any meal.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Vegetables

• Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick – 2 large onions

Dairy & Cheese

• Butter, cut into small pats – 3 tbsp
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
• Provolone cheese, sliced – 4 slices
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup

Seasonings

• Italian seasoning – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp or to taste
• Black pepper – ¼ tsp or to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange Onions: Lay the sliced sweet onion rings in a single even layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Season and Add Butter: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the onions. Dot the surface with small pats of butter evenly distributed.
4. Add Cheese Layers: First sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the onions, then layer the provolone slices. Finally, generously top with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
6. Optional Broil: For a crispier top, broil the dish for 2 additional minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Rest and Serve: Allow the baked onions to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and make handling easier.

Notes

• Use sweet onion varieties like Vidalia or yellow onions for the best natural sweetness.
• Watch carefully if broiling to prevent the cheese from burning.
• You can substitute or mix cheeses based on preference, but mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan provide a creamy, flavorful balance.
• This dish pairs well with grilled meats, poultry, or as a delicious vegetarian side.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, cheesy baked onions, baked onion side dish, sweet onions recipe, onion rings alternative, cheesy side dish