Name: Tennessee Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 sweet onions; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced thin; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese or shredded mozzarella; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 25 reviews

If you have a soft spot for sweet, melty, cheesy comfort food, you are going to absolutely adore this Tennessee Onions Recipe. It’s all about tender sweet onions layered with a blend of rich cheeses and a touch of fragrant Italian seasoning, baked until bubbly and golden. This recipe captures the soul of Southern home cooking, celebrating the incredible flavors of simple ingredients that come together in harmony to create something truly special and irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass rectangular dish sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thin, pale white onion rings spread evenly across the bottom. On top of the onion rings are small square pieces of light yellow butter scattered in a grid-like pattern. A light sprinkling of beige seasoning is visible over the onions and butter, adding subtle texture and color contrast. The layers are simple and clear, with glossy butter squares resting on soft white onion slices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the heart and soul of this Tennessee Onions Recipe. Each component is straightforward but plays an essential role, bringing together a balance of sweetness, savoriness, and cheesy goodness that you will crave every time.

3-4 sweet onions: Choose large, fresh sweet onions for that natural mellow flavor and perfect texture when baked.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic, mild garlicky undertones without overpowering the dish.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that complements the sweetness of the onions beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the layers of flavor and balances the sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Gives a subtle spicy kick to brighten the dish.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced thin: Melts into the onions, adding a rich silkiness that’s pure indulgence.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Provides sharpness and depth to the cheesy layers.
2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese or mozzarella: Brings a gooey, stretchy quality that’s essential for that perfect melt.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, slightly crunchy finish.

How to Make Tennessee Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Onions

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). While it’s warming up, peel off the tough outer skins of your sweet onions and slice them evenly into thin rounds about 1/4-inch thick. Gently separate these into individual rings to make sure every piece bakes evenly and soaks up all those delicious seasonings and cheese.

Step 2: Layer the Onion Rings

Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the onion rings in a single layer across the dish—this helps them cook evenly and beautifully caramelize under the cheese and butter layers.

Step 3: Season and Butter

Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and ground black pepper evenly over the onions. These simple spices transform the natural sweetness of the onions into something savory and appetizing. Dot the onions with thin slices of butter, which will melt and create luscious pockets of richness as it bakes.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

First, spread the shredded cheddar cheese across the onions. Next, layer the Italian blend cheese or mozzarella on top, ensuring they cover the onions well to create that gooey, chewy texture we all love. Finally, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over everything to add a lovely, slightly crisp topping once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want to watch for the cheese to be melted through and bubbling, with golden spots appearing on the surface that speak of perfectly toasted goodness. Once done, remove it carefully and let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Tennessee Onions Recipe

A clear glass baking dish filled with a baked casserole that has a golden brown, slightly crispy top layer with uneven patches of darker brown. Underneath the browned top, thin rings of white onion are visible, mixed with a creamy, melted cheese layer. The casserole edges show some browned bits where the cheese has crisped against the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a folded blue and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For that extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. Not only do they add a burst of color, but their fresh herbaceous notes balance the richness of the cheese and butter beautifully.

Side Dishes

Tennessee Onions Recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty meats like grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to barbecue or a simple green salad when you want that perfect mix of indulgence and freshness on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the baked onions straight from the dish in a rustic, family-style manner for cozy dinners. For a party or appetizer, layer them in small ramekins or scooped onto toasted baguette slices for savory bites that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when chilled, making for an even tastier next-day treat.

Freezing

You can freeze Tennessee Onions Recipe, but keep in mind the texture of the onions might soften a bit more after thawing. Pack into a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crispy cheese topping and warm the dish evenly. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the cheese rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions in this recipe?

While sweet onions are preferred for their natural mildness, you can experiment with yellow or Vidalia onions for slightly different flavor profiles. Just note that more pungent onions might result in a stronger taste.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can make a vegan version by substituting the butter with plant-based margarine and using vegan cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be a bit different, but still wonderfully satisfying.

How spicy is Tennessee Onions Recipe?

This dish leans toward savory and sweet rather than spicy, with just a mild touch of black pepper to enhance the flavors without overwhelming the palate.

Can I add other seasonings to the recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.

What other cheese combinations work well?

Italian blend and cheddar are classic here, but you can mix in Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of blue cheese if you enjoy bold flavors paired with sweet onions.

Final Thoughts

This Tennessee Onions Recipe is a beautiful celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a decadent, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. Once you taste those sweet, buttery onions melting into layers of cheese and seasoning, you’ll want to make this your go-to side dish every time. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love.