Description
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!
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
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)
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Cuisine: Southern American