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