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