Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions Recipe

Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a gooey, cheesy side dish that might just steal the show. Thick sweet onion slices baked with a trio of melty cheeses, butter, and herbs create a rich, comforting flavor perfect for barbecues or family dinners.

Ingredients

• Sweet onions, sliced ½ inch thick
• Butter, cut into small pats
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Provolone cheese, sliced
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel your sweet onions and cut them into thick slices about ½ inch thick. Keep the rings intact and lay them flat to form a stable base for baking.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a casserole dish or 9×13-inch pan. Arrange the onion slices in a single layer, allowing them to touch but not stack.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the onions. Place small pats of butter evenly across the slices for richness.
4. Step 4: Layer the cheeses starting with shredded mozzarella, then add provolone slices, and finish with a generous topping of grated Parmesan for a crispy golden crust.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and beginning to brown at the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching carefully.
6. Step 6: Let the onions rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly and keep the layers intact.

Tips & Variations

• Use Vidalia or other sweet onions to enhance sweetness and reduce sharpness.
• Substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Try different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for unique flavors.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese to spice things up.
• Prepare the onions ahead by slicing and seasoning, then refrigerate before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the melty cheese and crispy top. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How thick should I slice the onions?

About ½ inch thick is ideal. Thicker slices hold up well during baking and provide a satisfying bite.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère work well. Just combine melty and flavorful cheeses for the best result.

Cheesy Baked Tennessee Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 67 reviews

Tennessee Onions are a delicious Southern-style baked side dish featuring thick slices of sweet onions layered with a trio of melty cheeses and butter, seasoned with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Baked until golden and bubbly, this cheesy, savory dish makes an indulgent accompaniment to grilled meats or a hearty vegetarian option.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizers
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Onions

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

Seasonings & Butter

• 6 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 6–8 slices provolone cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Slice the Onions: Peel the sweet onions and cut them into thick ½ inch slices, keeping the rings intact to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a casserole dish or 9×13-inch baking pan, then arrange the onion slices in a single layer. The slices may touch but should not be stacked.
3. Season and Butter: Sprinkle the onions evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Distribute small pats of butter across the onion slices to impart richness as they bake.
4. Layer on the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the onions, followed by a layer of provolone slices. Finally, spread the grated Parmesan cheese on top for a flavorful, crispy crust.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown at the edges. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cheesy onions rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly for easier serving and better texture.

Notes

• Use thick ½ inch onion slices to keep the onions intact during baking.
• Alternate cheese options include sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
• Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter version.
• You can prep the onions and seasonings ahead of time; cover and refrigerate until baking.
• Add red pepper flakes or use spicy cheese to make the dish spicier.
• Best served with grilled meats, BBQ chicken, crusty bread, or rice.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes; avoid microwaving to maintain cheese texture.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onions, cheesy side dish, Southern comfort food, baked onion recipe, cheesy baked onions, vegetarian side dish