Tennessee Onions: A Cheesy Southern Delight

Photo bySimply Homemade Recipes

In Tennessee, home-cooked food isn’t just a tradition; it’s an experience that brings people together. One dish that stands out among the classics is Tennessee Onions, a baked masterpiece that captures the essence of Southern comfort. This dish combines the sweetness of Vidalia onions with a trio of cheeses, creating a gooey, flavorful side that is hard to resist. Forget about ordinary onion rings; these onions are the new star of the show at any gathering.

The Story Behind Tennessee Onions

Tennessee Onions take simple ingredients and elevate them into a dish that leaves a lasting impression. Vidalia onions are famous for their natural sweetness, making them the perfect choice for this recipe. Add in the richness of three types of cheeses—Italian blend, cheddar, and Parmesan—and you’ve got a side dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts. The magic happens as the cheese melts and bubbles over the onions, creating a caramelized, cheesy crust that's irresistible.

The recipe is easy to follow and takes less than an hour from start to finish, but the flavor will linger long after the meal is over. Whether you’re a longtime Southerner or just discovering the joys of Tennessee’s rich culinary heritage, Tennessee Onions are a dish you won’t want to miss.

Recipe: Tennessee Onions

Ingredients:

• 3-4 Vidalia sweet onions
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spraying it with non-stick spray.
2. Peel and slice the Vidalia onions into rings, each about 1/4 inch thick, keeping the rings intact.
3. Arrange the onion rings evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish.
4. Season the onions with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for a burst of flavor.
5. Divide the butter into small pats and scatter them evenly over the onion rings.
6. Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese generously over the onions, followed by the cheddar cheese, and finally, the Parmesan cheese for a crispy, golden topping.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

For the best results, serve Tennessee Onions hot out of the oven. The sweet onions paired with the melted, golden-brown cheese will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why Tennessee Onions are a Must-Try

This dish not only showcases the flavors of Tennessee but also represents the warmth and comfort that Southern food is known for. The natural sweetness of Vidalia onions, combined with the gooey richness of melted cheese, creates a side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a standalone snack. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and every bite takes you back to the heart of Tennessee’s kitchens, where simple ingredients are transformed into memorable meals.

Whether you're cooking for family or friends, Tennessee Onions are sure to impress. They bring a touch of Southern hospitality to your table, and their cheesy, savory goodness will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Tennessee Onions have recently gained popularity across social media, and it's easy to see why. This simple yet delicious casserole combines the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The onions are baked with butter, garlic powder, and oregano until they become tender and infused with cheesy goodness. It's the perfect dish for any gathering, offering a taste of Southern comfort that will impress everyone at the table.

Vidalia onions, known for their mild and sweet flavor, are the star of this recipe, which elevates onions from a supporting role to the main attraction. When baked, the onions become soft, allowing the cheeses and seasonings to melt into them, creating a dish that's crispy on top yet gooey and tender inside. Whether you're serving it as a side dish for a family meal or bringing it to a potluck, Tennessee Onions are sure to steal the show​(Southern Living)​(Allrecipes).

Here’s a quick overview of how to make this mouth-watering dish:

1. Ingredients:
2. • 3-4 Vidalia onions, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
   • 4 tbsp butter
   • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
   • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
   • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
   • 1 tsp garlic powder
   • 1/2 tsp oregano
   • Salt and pepper to taste
3. Instructions:
4. • Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
   • Arrange the onion slices in the dish, season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
   • Dot the onions with butter, then top with the cheeses.
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly​(Loaves andDishes)​(A Fork's Tale).

This dish is versatile, too. You can swap out the cheese for options like Gouda or Monterey Jack if you're feeling adventurous. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or even served on its own for a cheesy, onion-filled delight​(A Fork's Tale)​(RealSweet).