Tennessee Onions

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Golden, cheesy, and irresistibly savory, Tennessee Onions are the Southern comfort food you didn’t know you needed. These baked onion slices are smothered in a blend of melted cheeses and butter, transforming simple ingredients into a flavor-packed side dish or appetizer. Their tender bite and caramelized edges make them a hit whether you’re serving them with burgers, steak, or on their own.

Perfect for cookouts, family dinners, or even potlucks, these onions strike the ideal balance between indulgence and simplicity. With minimal prep and a big payoff, Tennessee Onions are a must-try when you want something different but crowd-pleasing. The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.

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What Kind of Onions Should I Use for Tennessee Onions?

Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla are the top choice here. They caramelize beautifully and have a mellow flavor that blends well with butter and cheese. Yellow onions can also work in a pinch, though they bring a bit more bite. Avoid red onions or white onions for this dish—they’re too sharp or too dry for the creamy texture you want.

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Ingredients for the Tennessee Onions

• Sweet Onions: These are the backbone of the dish. Choose large Vidalia onions if you can—they bake down into rich, buttery layers.
• Butter: Helps the onions soften while adding that signature Southern richness.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a bold tang that contrasts perfectly with the onions’ sweetness.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts like a dream, giving the dish that gooey texture everyone loves.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Balances the sharp cheddar with a creamy, mild flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory punch without overpowering the onions.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the onions.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for color and a touch of freshness.

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How To Make the Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, peel your sweet onions and slice them into thick rounds, about ½ inch thick. Separate the rings gently and layer them in a buttered 9×13 baking dish.

Step 2: Season the Onions

Sprinkle the onion layers with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Make sure the seasonings are evenly distributed to give each bite a balanced flavor.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Dot the onion layers with slices or pats of butter. This helps them soften and caramelize while baking, soaking up that rich buttery goodness.

Step 4: Cheese Layering

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses over the onions. You can mix them together or layer them separately depending on how you want the melt and flavor blend.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want a little extra browning, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the onions sit for a couple of minutes. Top with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and melty as a delicious side dish or even as a savory appetizer.

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Serving and Storing Your Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions are best enjoyed hot and fresh, right out of the oven when the cheese is perfectly melty and the onion layers are fork-tender. They pair beautifully with grilled meats, especially burgers, steaks, or BBQ chicken. They can also stand alone as a comforting vegetarian side.

To store leftovers, let the onions cool to room temperature, then transfer them into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the onions and cheese can become mushy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cheese works best?

A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack creates the ideal balance of bold flavor and creamy melt. You can swap in Colby Jack or provolone if desired.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve. Add an extra 5 minutes of baking time if cooking from chilled.

Are Tennessee Onions spicy?

Not at all. They are savory, slightly sweet from the onions, and cheesy. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat.

Can I use yellow onions instead?

Absolutely. While sweet onions are ideal, yellow onions also soften well and develop a nice flavor. Just note they may be slightly more pungent.

What dishes pair well with Tennessee Onions?

Think BBQ ribs, grilled steaks, or roasted chicken. They also make a fun side for potlucks or game day spreads.

Can I cook these on the grill?

If you have a grill-safe baking dish, yes. Cover the dish with foil and cook over indirect heat until tender, then uncover to brown the cheese.

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Want More Appetizer Ideas?

If these cheesy Tennessee Onions had your taste buds dancing, you’ll definitely want to check out more of these flavorful appetizer favorites:

• Taco Ranch Bites for a zesty, handheld snack that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes that turn your favorite pie into bite-sized fun.
• Mississippi Sin Quiche when you want rich, creamy indulgence in a slice.
• Bacon Wrapped Smokies with Brown Sugar and Butter for smoky-sweet flavor bombs.
• Creamy Boat Dip (Rotel Ranch Dip) that’s perfect for game days and get-togethers.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can whip it up anytime you’re craving cheesy comfort.

And I’d love to hear how your Tennessee Onions turned out. Did you add extra garlic? Maybe a sprinkle of crispy bacon?

Drop a comment or question below. Sharing your twist might just inspire someone else!

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