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Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Recipe

Tennessee Onions - The Cheesy Baked Side Recipe

4.9 from 26 reviews

Tennessee Onions are a decadent cheesy baked side dish featuring thick-sliced sweet onions layered with butter, Italian seasoning, and a trio of cheeses including mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan. Baked until golden and bubbly, this dish offers a flavorful, melty alternative to traditional onion rings, perfect as a savory accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Onions

  • 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick

Butter and Seasoning

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pats
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6 slices provolone cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Arrange onions: Place the sweet onion slices in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
  3. Season and butter: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the onion slices. Dot the onions with small pats of butter to add richness and help with browning.
  4. Add cheeses: First, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the onions. Then, layer the provolone slices on top. Finally, finish with a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy, savory crust.
  5. Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the onions are tender.
  6. Optional broil: For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

  • Use sweet onions such as Vidalia or yellow onions for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Adjust cheeses to your preference; sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack can be substituted.
  • Broiling time is optional but adds a delightful crispy cheese topping.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a hearty side in vegetarian meals.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven to preserve the cheesy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tennessee onions, cheesy baked onions, baked onion side dish, onion rings alternative, Italian seasoning onions, mozzarella provolone Parmesan onions