Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a delicious cheesy baked side dish that’s even better than traditional onion rings. Layers of sweet onions and three types of cheese create a golden, bubbly dish perfect for any meal.

A close-up of a stack of three grilled onion rings with melted cheese oozing between the layers, each onion ring showing a golden brown charred edge and a translucent white color inside. The top layer is sprinkled with small black pepper flakes and tiny green herb pieces, adding color contrast. The cheese looks gooey and creamy as it drips down the sides. The background features a white marbled texture, and a silver fork is visible holding the stack from the right side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and sharp cheeses for a richer flavor.
Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Serve over toasted bread or alongside grilled meats for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, adding a few minutes under the broiler if you want to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

A close-up of two layers of crispy gratin potatoes stacked on top of each other, each consisting of thin, light golden yellow potato slices soaked in creamy white cheese sauce that is bubbling and melting around the edges; the top of the layers is golden brown and slightly burnt with a crunchy texture, showing small browned cheese spots and a shiny, gooey surface. The dish rests on a white surface with a white marbled texture that reflects the warm yellow and brown tones beautifully. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions?

Yes, while sweet onions like Vidalia are preferred for their mild flavor, yellow or white onions can also work. Just be aware the dish may be slightly sharper in taste.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

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

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 132 reviews

Tennessee Onions is a deliciously cheesy baked side dish that offers a flavorful alternative to traditional onion rings. Thick-cut sweet onions are seasoned, layered with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, then baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This comforting recipe combines the sweetness of Vidalia onions with a crispy cheesy topping, making it an irresistible addition to any meal.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick

Seasonings & Butter

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pats
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cheeses

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices provolone cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Arrange onions: Place the ½ inch thick sliced sweet onions in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they fit comfortably without overlapping.
Season the onions: Sprinkle the onion slices evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dot the top with small pats of butter to add richness as they bake.
Add cheese layers: First, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the seasoned onions. Then layer the provolone slices evenly on top, finishing with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake the dish: Place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the onions are tender.
Optional broil for crispiness: For an extra crispy cheese topping, switch the oven to broil and broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes, carefully watching to avoid burning.
Rest before serving: Remove the baked onions from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving.

Notes

Vidalia onions are preferred for their natural sweetness, but yellow onions work well too.
You can adjust the amount of Italian seasoning to taste or substitute with dried oregano and basil.
Butter adds richness; feel free to use salted butter if preferred, but reduce added salt accordingly.
For a sharper flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
If you want a lower-fat version, reduce the cheese quantities or substitute part of the mozzarella with part-skim versions.
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, cheesy baked onions, side dish, baked onion recipe, mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, sweet onions, Southern cooking