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

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