Tennessee Onions (Better than Onion Rings) Recipe
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.
- 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
