Baked Tennessee Onions

If you’re looking for a rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy side dish, these Baked Tennessee Onions are the perfect addition to your table! Sweet onions are layered with butter, melty cheeses, and a sprinkle of savory seasonings, then baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for holiday feasts, potlucks, BBQs, or weeknight dinners!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients – You only need a handful of basic items.
Ultra Comforting – Gooey cheese and tender onions in every bite.
Perfect Side Dish – Pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, and more.
Crowd-Pleaser – Always a hit at potlucks and holiday tables.
Minimal Prep – Just slice, layer, and bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Baked Onions:

• 4 large sweet onions (Vidalia or similar), sliced into thick rings
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Crushed buttery crackers for topping (optional for crunch)

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Slice the Onions
Peel and slice the onions into thick rings, about ½ inch thick.
Separate the rings and discard the very small inner pieces if you like.

Step 3: Layer the Onions
Spread half of the onion rings in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Dot with half of the butter cubes.
Sprinkle half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the onions.
Season with half of the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Repeat the layers with the remaining onions, butter, cheese, and seasonings.

Step 4: Bake the Onions
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or crushed crackers if desired.
Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite main course.

Tips for Perfect Baked Tennessee Onions
Use Sweet Onions – They become wonderfully tender and mellow when baked.
Slice Evenly – Thick, even slices cook more uniformly.
Cover While Baking – Keeps the onions tender and prevents them from drying out.
Add Crunch – Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs on top before the final bake for a crispy topping.
Customize the Cheese – Swap in Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack for a flavor twist.

Serving Suggestions
Grilled Meats – Perfect alongside steaks, chicken, or ribs.
Holiday Dinners – A great side for turkey, ham, or prime rib.
Burger Night – Serve these onions as a delicious cheesy side dish.
Barbecue Parties – Pairs beautifully with smoked meats and BBQ favorites.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
2. Can I add meat to this recipe?
   Sure! Add cooked crumbled sausage, beef, or even turkey bacon between the layers for a heartier version.
3. Can I make it spicier?
   Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the layers for a kick.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
   A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives great flavor and meltiness, but you can mix and match based on what you love.
5. Can I freeze Baked Tennessee Onions?
   It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Just note the texture of the onions may soften more after thawing.

Final Thoughts
These Baked Tennessee Onions are a rich, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth side dish that everyone will be asking for seconds of. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, they’re the perfect addition to any comfort food meal or special occasion.

Try it out and let us know how much you love it! Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your cheesy creations on Pinterest or Instagram.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 6):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 350mg

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