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

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a deliciously cheesy baked side dish that rivals traditional onion rings. Featuring layers of sweet onions and three types of cheese, this comforting recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for family meals or gatherings.

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 your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Arrange the onion slices in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish.
3. Step 3: Season the onions evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dot the top with small pats of butter.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the onions. Then layer slices of provolone cheese on top, followed by a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
6. Step 6: For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• Use Vidalia onions for their natural sweetness, or substitute with yellow onions if unavailable.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Try swapping provolone with cheddar for a sharper cheese flavor.
• Serve alongside grilled meats or as a comforting vegetarian side dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, to maintain the cheesy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for best results.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no breading or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure your Italian seasoning does not contain any hidden gluten additives.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 369 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a deliciously cheesy baked side dish featuring thick-sliced sweet onions layered with butter, Italian seasoning, and three kinds of cheese. Baked to golden, bubbly perfection, this dish offers a savory alternative to traditional onion rings, perfect for pairing with your favorite main courses.

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

Ingredients

Onions and Seasoning

• Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick – 3 large
• Salt – 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
• Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon

Butter and Cheese

• Butter, cut into small pats – 4 tablespoons
• Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
• Provolone cheese, sliced – 6 slices
• Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and add richness to the dish.
2. Arrange Onions: Place the sliced sweet onions in a single layer evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring every slice has contact with the dish for even cooking.
3. Season Onions: Sprinkle the onions evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse the layers with a balanced blend of savory and herbaceous flavors. Dot the top with pats of butter to melt and create a luscious base.
4. Add Cheeses: First, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the seasoned onions for a melty, gooey texture. Then layer the provolone slices on top. Finish by generously topping everything with grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, nutty flavor and a golden crust.
5. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheeses are bubbly and golden brown, and the onions are tender and cooked through.
6. Broil (Optional): For an extra crispy and browned cheese topping, switch your oven to broil and cook the dish for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. This helps the cheeses firm slightly and makes for easier serving. Enjoy warm as a cheesy, comforting side.

Notes

• Use sweet onions such as Vidalia for best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Butter helps add moisture and richness; do not skip or substitute with margarine for best results.
• You can customize the seasoning by adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for a twist.
• For a lower-fat version, reduce the butter and cheese quantities or use part-skim cheeses.
• The broiling step is optional but adds a desirable crispy top layer.

Keywords: cheesy baked onions, Tennessee onions, onion side dish, baked onion recipe, mozzarella provolone Parmesan, easy vegetable side