Sautéed Carrots And Zucchini Recipe

Is there anything better than warm, melty cheese over a bed of sweet, caramelized onions? Tennessee Onions is that beloved Southern side dish that’s as easy to make as it is impossible to resist. This bubbling, golden casserole is brimming with savory flavor, gooey cheese, and tender onions—perfect for a cozy family meal or any gathering where you want to steal the show!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Tennessee Onions is that it doesn’t call for anything complicated—the magic lies in how these basics come together. Every item in this recipe serves a purpose, making the final bake rich in flavor, irresistibly gooey, and full of Southern charm.

• Sweet onions (3-4): Opt for Vidalia or any other sweet onion for that signature mellow, slightly tangy base—these onions mellow and practically melt in the oven.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds an aromatic depth and rounds out the natural sweetness of the onions.
• Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A little herbal note gives a classic, comforting flavor that echoes Grandma’s kitchen.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances both the cheese and the onions—don’t skip it!
• Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to add a little subtle warmth in every bite.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, sliced thin): Let these melt over the layers for luscious richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Cheddar brings bold, creamy tang and gorgeous color to the top layer.
• Shredded Italian blend cheese or mozzarella (2 cups): The Italian blend introduces stretchy, gooey melt—mozzarella alone works if that’s what you have.
• Grated parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): For a salty, nutty finish and irresistible golden crust when baked.

Variations

Tennessee Onions is the kind of side that loves a good spin. Feel free to try new cheese blends, add a touch of heat, or swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry—this dish is beautifully adaptable!

• Add Bacon: Crisp, crumbled bacon on top brings a smoky, salty twist that’s impossible to argue with.
• Go Spicy: Sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños over the onions for gentle heat.
• Use Different Cheeses: Smoked gouda, pepper jack, or gruyère can make each batch of Tennessee Onions unique and tailored to your taste.
• Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is already naturally gluten-free—just double-check your cheese blends and seasonings to be sure.

How to Make Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Onions

Start by peeling your sweet onions and slicing them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Separate the rings with your fingers—this creates all those gorgeous layers that soak up cheese and butter while baking.

Step 2: Arrange in the Baking Dish

Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and lay out the onions evenly. Don’t worry if it looks abundant—the onions bake down beautifully to a soft, sweet base.

Step 3: Season and Butter

Sprinkle the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly over the onions. Dot the entire casserole with thinly sliced butter—every pat melts into the onions for maximum flavor!

Step 4: Layer on the Cheese

First, add the shredded cheddar evenly on top of the onions, followed by the Italian blend or mozzarella cheese. Finish with a generous scatter of parmesan for the best golden crust.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and golden-brown, and you see irresistible bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Let Tennessee Onions cool for a couple of minutes, then scoop generous portions right to your plate. That molten cheese and sweet onion combination is pure Southern comfort—dig in!

How to Serve Tennessee Onions

Garnishes

Brighten up your Tennessee Onions with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving. For a little zing, a scatter of crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika adds color and a gentle kick to balance all that cheese.

Side Dishes

This dish loves to be next to smoky barbecue, juicy grilled chicken, Southern fried chicken, or a holiday roast. For a balanced plate, you can add a crisp green salad or simple buttered green beans for freshness alongside all that gooey comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, bake Tennessee Onions in individual ramekins for adorable, shareable sides. Or try serving with homemade crostini or crusty bread for a French onion soup-inspired appetizer—those cheesy, melty edges are made for scooping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, simply transfer your Tennessee Onions to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to four days, and the flavors often get even better after a night in the fridge.

Freezing

Tennessee Onions freezes surprisingly well! Wrap the baked dish (or individual servings) tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Rewarm leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered for the first 10–15 minutes, then uncovered just to re-crisp the cheesy top. The microwave works too (on medium), but oven reheating keeps that golden crust intact!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Tennessee Onions before, you’re in for a truly comforting treat—the kind of dish that makes people swoon at even the simplest supper. Make it once, and you’ll quickly see how it earns a spot in your regular rotation. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake up a pan soon and watch it disappear!

Print