Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe
Tennessee Onions are a deliciously cheesy baked side dish featuring thickly sliced sweet onions layered with butter, Italian seasoning, and a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked until golden and bubbly, this comforting dish offers a flavorful alternative to traditional onion rings and makes a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Onion and Seasoning
- Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick – 4 large
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon
Dairy
- Butter, cut into small pats – 3 tablespoons
- Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
- Provolone cheese, sliced – 6 slices
- Grated Parmesan cheese – ½ cup
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Arrange onion slices: Place the thickly sliced onion rings in a single, even layer within the baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Season and butter the onions: Sprinkle the onion slices evenly with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Dot the top generously with small pats of butter to infuse richness.
- Add cheeses: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the onions, then layer the provolone cheese slices on top. Finish with a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese for a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Bake until bubbly: Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Optional broil for crispiness: For an extra golden and crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for an additional 2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest and serve: Let the Tennessee Onions rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle before serving warm as a cheesy side dish.
Notes
- Use Vidalia onions or other sweet onions for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Make sure to slice the onions at least ½ inch thick to hold their shape during baking.
- Feel free to adjust the cheese amounts or types based on preference—cheddar or fontina can be tasty alternatives.
- Serve this dish with grilled meats or as a hearty side for barbecue meals.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to retain crispness.
Keywords: Tennessee onions, baked onions, cheesy onions, side dish, easy baked onions, comfort food, onion recipe
