Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions turn humble sweet Vidalia onions into a rich, cheesy baked side dish that’s hard to stop eating. Thick onion rings are layered in a pan, topped with butter, seasoned simply, and covered in a trio of melty cheeses. The onions soften and sweeten in the oven while the cheese bubbles and browns on top, making every bite savory, sweet, and irresistibly gooey. This dish is perfect alongside grilled meats, holiday roasts, or as a fun twist on a classic casserole night. It’s simple to prep and uses just a handful of ingredients, but the flavor tastes like you fussed much more than you did.

Ingredients

• 3 to 4 sweet Vidalia onions
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup Italian blend cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Slice the Vidalia onions into ¼-inch rounds, then separate them into rings.
3. Spread the onion rings evenly in the prepared baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and oregano evenly over the onions.
5. Slice the butter into 8 slices and place the pieces evenly across the top of the seasoned onions.
6. Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese over the onions and butter.
7. Finish by sprinkling the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beginning to brown and the onions are tender.
9. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 6

Tips

For the best texture and sweetness, use true sweet onions (like Vidalia) and slice them evenly so they cook at the same rate and get tender without turning mushy.

Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes after baking so the cheese settles slightly; store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven so the cheese melts nicely again.

FAQ

Can I use regular yellow onions instead of Vidalia?
Yes, you can use yellow onions, but the flavor will be a bit sharper and less sweet; if you like, you can reduce the salt slightly or add a pinch of sugar.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can slice and season the onions in the dish ahead of time, but it’s best to add the cheese and bake just before serving for the best melted texture.

What can I serve Tennessee Onions with?
They’re great alongside grilled steak, chicken, pork chops, burgers, or even as a cheesy side with roasted veggies and potatoes.

Can I lighten this dish up a bit?
You can reduce the amount of cheese slightly or use part-skim cheese, but keep in mind that the richness is a big part of what makes it so comforting.

Will this recipe still work in a smaller baking dish?
Yes, you can use a smaller dish if needed; the onions will be a bit thicker in the pan and may need a few extra minutes to become fully tender.