Tennessee Onions
Experience the soulful comfort of Tennessee Onions, a remarkably simple yet profoundly flavorful side dish that transforms sweet onions into a golden, savory delight. Bathed in rich butter, seasoned with a harmonious blend of spices, and blanketed under a gooey, bubbling trio of cheeses, this dish is the epitome of Southern hospitality. It's an irresistibly versatile accompaniment, perfect for elevating everything from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive potluck.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Servings
6-8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Transforms humble onions into an extraordinary, flavorful side.
- Features a rich, bubbling three-cheese topping that's utterly irresistible.
- Incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of main courses.
- Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, easily scaling up.
- Requires minimal effort for maximum flavor impact.
Ingredients
- 3-4 large Vidalia sweet onions, or any sweet onions (approximately 1.2-1.6 kg / 2.5-3.5 lbs)
- 56 grams (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
- 2.5 grams (½ teaspoon) fine sea salt, adjust to taste
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 1 gram (½ teaspoon) dried oregano
- 1.5 grams (½ teaspoon) dry mustard powder
- 0.5 grams (¼ teaspoon) cayenne pepper, optional for a touch of heat
- 110 grams (1 cup) Mozzarella cheese, finely shredded
- 110 grams (1 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 55 grams (½ cup) Parmesan cheese, finely shredded, plus extra for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even cooking and optimal cheese browning.
- Lightly coat a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish with a non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of butter. This prevents the onions and cheese from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Clean and peel the Vidalia sweet onions. Slice them into uniform rounds, approximately 6 mm (¼ inch) thick. Consistent thickness is key for even cooking.
- Gently separate each onion ring into smaller sections, ideally thirds, ensuring they are not tightly nested together. This allows for better heat distribution and ensures the onions cook down evenly and become tender. You don't need to completely separate every single ring; it's perfectly fine if 2 or 3 are still lightly attached.
- Spread the separated onion rings evenly in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. A single layer promotes even roasting and prevents steaming.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, dried oregano, dry mustard powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk these spices together thoroughly to create an even blend.
- Evenly sprinkle the mixed seasonings over the layer of onions in the baking dish. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
- Cut the unsalted butter into eight small pats or cubes. Distribute these butter pieces evenly over the seasoned onion rings. The melting butter will infuse moisture and richness into the onions as they bake.
- Sprinkle the finely shredded Mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheeses evenly over the buttered and seasoned onion rings. Finish by scattering the finely shredded Parmesan cheese as the final layer on top. This layering ensures a beautiful golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully browned, bubbly, and the onions are tender and caramelized at the edges. Keep an eye on the browning during the last 10 minutes to prevent burning.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Serve the Tennessee Onions immediately, piping hot, to enjoy the melty, gooey cheese and tender onions at their best. It also tastes delightful served warm.
Tools You’ll Need
- 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Oven mitts
Essential Success Tips
- Choose fresh, firm Vidalia or other sweet onions for the best flavor and texture. Avoid any with soft spots.
- Ensure onions are sliced to a uniform thickness (6 mm / ¼ inch) so they cook evenly.
- Don't skip separating the onion rings; this step is crucial for even cooking and tender results, preventing the onions from steaming.
- For an extra golden-brown top, you can briefly place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the very end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the depth of flavor, consider caramelizing a small portion of the onions lightly in a pan before adding them to the baking dish. This adds a layer of sweet, jammy complexity.
- For an extra aromatic kick, finely mince a clove or two of fresh garlic and mix it with the butter before dotting it over the onions.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations. A touch of smoked gouda or Gruyere can add sophisticated notes to the classic trio.
Notes
- This dish is incredibly versatile! It makes a fantastic potluck contribution, a savory topping for burgers, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches, or a unique addition to pizza. It also complements roasted meats beautifully.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time?
You can slice the onions and mix the seasonings a day in advance. Store the sliced onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator and the seasonings in a sealed jar. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best results.
What kind of sweet onions are best for this dish?
Vidalia onions are traditionally preferred for their mild sweetness and low sulfur content. However, any sweet onion variety, such as Walla Walla or Maui onions, will work wonderfully.
How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
If the cheese starts to brown too quickly before the onions are tender, you can loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Remove the foil for the final few minutes if you desire more browning.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 260, Protein: 10g, Fat: 17g, Carbs: 19g (per serving, estimated based on 8 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy. This dish is naturally gluten-free if no other gluten-containing ingredients are added. Always check labels for specific ingredient certifications if allergies are severe.
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