Tennessee Onions are a simple but incredibly flavorful side dish that embodies Southern comfort cooking. Thick slices of sweet onions are baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce, resulting in a tender, caramelized dish that pairs perfectly with steak, chicken, or pork. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is quick to prepare and absolutely irresistible. Whether served at a family dinner or a holiday feast, Tennessee onions are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ingredients
- 3 large sweet onions (about 1.5 lbs) are about 1 pound each., peeled and sliced into 12-inch rings.
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream. 1 cup (240ml) milk.
- 1 12 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese.
- 1 12 cups (170g) shredded Parmesan cheese.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 12 tsp smoked paprika. 1
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter (30g), cut into small pieces.
- Fresh parsley (optional) (optional), for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Onions: Arrange the onion slices in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.
- Make the SauceIn a small bowl, mix the heavy cream, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the onions. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Dot the dish with butter pieces.
- Bake the Onions: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the onions rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for a pop of color.
Notes
- Onions: Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla work best for this dish, but yellow onions can be used if sweet onions are unavailable.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with cheeses like Gruyere or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the dish a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as instructed when ready to serve.
- Serving SuggestionsWhat are some good ways to serve Tennessee Onions with grilled meats, mashed potatoes, or even as a topping for crusty bread?
This easy, cheesy Tennessee Onions recipe is a Southern favorite that will quickly become a staple at your table. Creamy, rich, and delicious!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
How do I make Tennessee onions ahead of time?
Can you make Tennessee onions ahead of time? You can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and bake as instructed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through. If you want to bake onions completely, let them cool, and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, you can bake them in the oven until golden brown. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly, or microwave in short intervals, checking for doneness.
What are some substitutes for onions and cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella or Parmesan, you can substitute with Gruyere, provolone, or a sharp cheddar for the mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano or Asiago for the Parmesan. If you like sweet onions, you can use yellow onions. Red onions can be used, but they have a sharper flavor and might require a bit more cooking time to soften. When substituting, use a 1:1 ratio for cheese substitutions.
How do you know if your thigh onions are perfectly baked?
The Tennessee Onions are perfectly baked when the onions are tender and slightly caramelized, the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly, and the sauce is creamy and has slightly thickened. How do I pierce onions with a fork? The baking time provided is a guideline, so keep an eye on the dish during the uncovered baking phase. You can also check the internal temperature with a thermometer; It should be around 165°F (74°C) in the center.
Can I double or triple this recipe to serve a larger crowd?
Can you definitely scale up the recipe? For doubling, use two 9×9 inch baking dishes. For tripling, you’ll likely need a larger roasting pan or multiple baking dishes. When doubling or tripling, you might need to increase the baking time slightly, especially during the uncovered baking phase, so keep a close eye on the dish. Ensure the onions are evenly distributed in the baking dish, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Adjust the ingredient amounts proportionally.
What are the health benefits of eating Tennessee onions?
Tennessee Onions are a good source of prebiotics, which promote gut health, and contain antioxidants. The cheese provides calcium and protein. While this dish is rich, the onions provide fiber, and the dairy contributes to calcium intake. Consider the dish a delicious treat to be enjoyed in moderation as it is high in fat and calories.
Tennessee Onions
A savory and cheesy baked onion dish that's perfect for any gathering.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large onions sliced into rings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion rings and sauté until they become translucent.
- Place sautéed onions in a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- Cover onions with cheddar cheese. Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm as a great side dish or appetizer.
