Sizzling Tennessee Onions Recipe That’ll Make You Smile

Southern kitchens buzz with whispers about this magical tennessee onions culinary wonder that melts hearts faster than butter on hot cornbread.

Crispy, golden layers promise a side dish destined to become your next obsession.

Generations of home cooks have passed down secret techniques for creating these irresistible rings of pure comfort.

Packed with flavor and sporting a delightful crunch, this recipe transcends ordinary vegetable preparations.

Mild onions transform under a blanket of cheese and seasonings, creating something truly extraordinary.

Crisp edges and soft centers make each bite a delectable journey through southern cooking traditions.

Reasons to Enjoy Tennessee Onions

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe transforms ordinary onions into a mouthwatering side dish with just a few basic ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal prep work and straightforward steps mean you can have a delicious accompaniment ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or as a standalone vegetable dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, golden-brown charm.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Uses affordable ingredients like onions and common cheeses, creating a restaurant-quality side that doesn't break the bank while delivering maximum flavor.

Key Components of Tennessee Onions

• Sweet Onions: Large, tender onions that provide a mild and sweet flavor to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Create a rich, melty, and golden cheese topping with a blend of sharp and creamy textures.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the onions.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the onions caramelize.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

Stepwise Guide to Tennessee Onions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and grab a baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray or brush with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Slice And Arrange Onions

Peel and slice onions into beautiful thin rings. Spread these delicate rings evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a gorgeous layer of white and ivory circles.

Step 3: Drench With Buttery Goodness

Pour melted butter generously over the onion layers, ensuring every slice gets a luxurious coating. The butter will help create a rich, golden foundation.

Step 4: Shower With Cheesy Delights

• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the onions transform into soft, golden treasures with crispy edges.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Chop fresh parsley and scatter it over the baked onions for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve hot and watch everyone dive in!

Useful Tips for Tennessee Onions

• Slice onions uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat onions dry before adding butter to prevent excess moisture and achieve crispy edges.
• Choose sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder, more caramelized flavor profile.
• Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the overall taste.
• Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking to let cheese settle and flavors meld together.

Flavor Variations for Tennessee Onions

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to bring heat and zest to the classic Tennessee Onions recipe.
• Herbal Infusion: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives to enhance the aromatic profile and add depth of flavor.
• Bacon Lovers' Version: Crumble crispy bacon pieces over the top before baking for a smoky, savory enhancement.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-inspired transformation of the dish.

Ideal Pairings with Tennessee Onions

• Savor Hearty Protein Companions: Grilled steak or roasted chicken pairs perfectly with Tennessee Onions, complementing the dish's rich, buttery flavor and adding satisfying protein to the meal.
• Unleash Wine Harmony: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light-bodied Chardonnay beautifully balance the onions' richness, cutting through the creamy cheese and buttery notes with refreshing acidity.
• Craft Rustic Side Matches: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or roasted potatoes to soak up the delicious melted cheese and butter, creating a complete and comforting dining experience.

How to Preserve Tennessee Onions Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled Tennessee Onions to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Remove foil for last 3-4 minutes to crisp up cheese.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating once warm to avoid rubbery texture.

FAQs Regarding Tennessee Onions

• What are Tennessee Onions?

A delicious side dish featuring sliced onions baked with butter and two types of cheese, creating a rich and flavorful vegetable preparation.

• Can I use different types of onions?

Yes, while sweet onions like Vidalia work best, you can use yellow or white onions depending on availability and personal preference.

• Is this dish spicy or mild?

This recipe is mild and creamy, with the cheese and butter softening the onion’s natural sharpness, making it a crowd-pleasing side dish.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make Tennessee Onions?

No, this is a very simple recipe that requires basic slicing and layering skills, perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.

Tennessee Onions Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets cheesy indulgence with Tennessee Onions, a mouthwatering side dish that elevates humble ingredients into a crowd-pleasing sensation. Layers of sweet onions, melted cheese, and savory seasonings create a irresistible complement to any main course you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (56 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning Ingredients:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange thinly sliced onions in an even, overlapping pattern across the bottom of the dish, creating a delicate base layer.
3. Drizzle melted butter generously over the onion arrangement, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Liberally distribute Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses across the buttered onion surface, creating a rich, tangy coating.
5. Season the cheese-covered onions with a balanced sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
6. Transfer the prepared dish to a preheated oven at 350°F and allow to roast for approximately 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown transformation and tender onion texture.
7. Once the onions have caramelized and the cheese has melted into a bubbling, appetizing crust, remove from the oven.
8. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add a bright, herbal finish and visual appeal before serving immediately.

Notes

• Slice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder, more caramelized flavor that melts in your mouth.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or gruyere for added depth and complexity.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace traditional cheeses with high-fat options and ensure all ingredients align with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 263 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 212 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg