Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe
Tennessee Onions are a deliciously cheesy baked side dish featuring thick slices of sweet onions layered with a trio of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, butter, and Italian seasoning. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting Southern recipe is perfect as a hearty side for barbecues, grilled meats, or vegetarian meals, bringing rich flavors and a satisfyingly melty texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Onions and Seasoning
- 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pats
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Slice the Onions: Peel the sweet onions and cut them into ½ inch thick slices, keeping the rings intact. Lay them flat to create a stable base for baking.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish or similar baking pan. Arrange the onion slices in a single layer, allowing them to touch but not stack.
- Season and Butter: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the onions. Distribute small pats of butter across the slices to add richness as they bake.
- Layer on the Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the onions. Layer the provolone slices on top, then finish with a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful crust.
- Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown around the edges. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the Tennessee Onions rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve without breaking apart.
Notes
- Slices about ½ inch thick hold up best during baking and offer a satisfying bite.
- You can substitute other cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for variety.
- Butter adds richness, but olive oil can be used as a lighter alternative.
- Prepare the onions and assemble the dish ahead of time (without baking) and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain texture.
- Avoid reheating in the microwave to keep the cheese topping crisp.
Keywords: Tennessee Onions, cheesy baked onions, Southern side dish, baked onion recipe, comfort food, sweet onions, cheesy side dish, barbecue sides
