Introduction

Tennessee Onions are a flavorful, cheesy twist on traditional onion rings that bake to golden perfection. This easy side dish layers sweet onions with a blend of cheeses and aromatic spices for a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat.

The image shows a white dish filled with multiple golden-brown fried onion rings stacked closely together. Each onion ring has two or three visible layers, with a crispy, textured outer layer and a soft, slightly translucent inner layer. The rings are coated with small bits of browned crumbs and lightly sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. A thin layer of light brown sauce pools around the bottom of the onions, adding shine and moisture to the dish. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Arrange the sliced onions in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, separating the rings.
Step 3: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the onions. Sprinkle with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4: Top the onions with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, spreading them evenly.
Step 5: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Tennessee Onions as a delicious side dish!

Tips & Variations

For a crispier top, broil the onions for 1–2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Substitute smoked gouda or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Use red onions for a slightly sharper taste and vibrant color.

Storage

Store leftover Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the cheese restores its melt.

How to Serve

A close-up of golden brown fried onion rings arranged on a white dish, each ring showing multiple layers of translucent onion with crispy, textured, browned edges. The rings are evenly coated with a crunchy, bubbled crust and sprinkled with small pieces of green parsley, while a light sauce pools gently around the base of the rings. The dish is set against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Tennessee Onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

Are Tennessee Onions gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses no flour or breading. Always check labels on cheeses and spices to confirm if you have gluten sensitivities.

Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 129 reviews

Tennessee Onions are a savory baked side dish featuring sweet Vidalia onions layered with a blend of melted cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and baked until golden and bubbly, these onions offer a delicious alternative to traditional onion rings.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Southern
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

3 large sweet onions (such as Vidalia), sliced into ½-inch rings

Dairy

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Spices & Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the onions do not stick during baking.
Arrange onions: Place the sliced sweet onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish, making sure to separate the rings so they cook uniformly.
Add seasoning and butter: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter uniformly over the onions. Sprinkle garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly to infuse the onions with flavor.
Add cheese layers: Top the seasoned onions with an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese, followed by Monterey Jack cheese and then grated Parmesan, ensuring full coverage for melting.
Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the onions to soften and the cheese to start melting.
Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, giving the dish a delicious crust.
Cool and serve: Let the Tennessee Onions cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set a bit. Serve warm as a delightful side dish alternative to onion rings.

Notes

Use sweet Vidalia onions for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
For a sharper taste, substitute or add smoked cheddar cheese.
To make it vegetarian-friendly, ensure the cheeses are made without animal rennet.
This dish pairs well with grilled meats and barbecue dishes.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.

Keywords: Tennessee Onions, baked onions, cheese baked onions, Vidalia onions, Southern side dish, cheesy onion bake