Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Recipe

If you are searching for a comforting and irresistible side, look no further than Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side. This dish transforms humble sweet onions into a luscious, golden-layered delight, baked with a trio of melty cheeses and fragrant Italian seasoning. It’s like onion rings got a grown-up, cozy upgrade that perfectly complements any meal, whether a holiday feast or a casual family dinner. Once you try this recipe, Tennessee Onions will quickly become your go-to cheesy baked side that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side lies in its simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each adding a crucial note to the final flavor and texture. These components come together effortlessly, turning sweet onions into a beautifully baked cheesy masterpiece.

• Sweet onions: Vidalia or yellow onions sliced about ½ inch thick for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
• Butter: Small pats scattered on top to add richness and help the onions caramelize slightly.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings herbs like oregano and basil to the party, adding depth without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basics to enhance all the natural flavors.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating gooey, stretchy layers of cheesy goodness.
• Provolone cheese: Thin slices add a mild, slightly smoky flavor and luxurious texture.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a sharp, nutty finish and an irresistible golden crust.

How to Make Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side

Step 1: Prep and Butter Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly buttering the baking dish not only prevents sticking but also gives the onions a subtle buttery base to start their transformation.

Step 2: Layer the Onion Slices

Arrange your ½ inch thick sweet onion slices in a single even layer inside the baking dish. This ensures each slice cooks evenly and has space to soak up all the buttery, cheesy goodness.

Step 3: Season and Add Butter

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and a generous pinch of Italian seasoning over the onions for a savory herb touch. Dot the top with small pats of butter that will melt and baste the onions during baking, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

First, generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the seasoned onions to start the cheesy layers. Next, lay slices of provolone cheese evenly on top to add a creamy, mild complexity. Finish by topping everything with a hearty sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a nutty, golden crust that crisps beautifully as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the cheese to melt fully, turn bubbly, and develop a gorgeous golden color.

Step 6: Optional Extra Crispiness

If you love a bit of crunch, turn on the broiler for 2 minutes at the end of baking. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn; this quick step adds a perfect crispy finish.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

After removing from the oven, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. This pause lets the cheeses settle for cleaner serving and enhances the flavor meld.

How to Serve Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side

Garnishes

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb aroma. Cracked black pepper on top also adds a final little zing that brightens the dish.

Side Dishes

These Tennessee Onions shine alongside hearty proteins like roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or smoky BBQ ribs. They also pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or creamy grits for a Southern-inspired meal everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the cheesy onions layered in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, or spoon them over toasted baguette slices as an indulgent appetizer. You can even layer them on burgers for extra savory indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Tennessee Onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their cheesy, tender texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, the texture of the baked onions can become softer after thawing. If you do freeze, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. This helps preserve the crispy cheesy top better than microwaving.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions for Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side?

While sweet onions like Vidalia are ideal for their natural sweetness and mildness, yellow onions can also work if you prefer a stronger onion flavor. Avoid very pungent or red onions as they may overpower the dish.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat, relying on onions and cheeses for rich flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Since this recipe uses only naturally gluten-free ingredients like onions, cheese, and spices, it is safe for gluten-free diets.

What’s the best cheese combination if I can’t find provolone?

Substitute provolone with mild mozzarella slices or even fontina cheese for a similar melting quality and flavor. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan will still provide richness and depth.

How can I make the onions less watery?

Choose firm sweet onions and slice them uniformly. Letting the onions drain on paper towels before layering can help, though the butter and cheese will help balance moisture during baking.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side is truly a showstopper in its simplicity and comfort. It’s comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every golden bite. Whether you are preparing a weeknight meal or adding a special touch to holiday fare, this dish invites you to savor onions in a way that feels fresh and indulgent. Once you bake up your first batch, you’ll find it hard to serve any other side that brings quite the same warmth to your table. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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