Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Dish Better Than Onion Rings Recipe
Tennessee Onions are a rich and cheesy baked side dish featuring thick-cut sweet onions layered with a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with Italian herbs and butter. This comforting dish is a flavorful alternative to traditional onion rings, perfect for pairing with any meal or serving as a savory appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 3 large sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
Dairy & Cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pats
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a medium-sized baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Layer Onions: Arrange the ½ inch thick sweet onion slices in a single even layer in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Season: Sprinkle salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the onion slices for a balanced, herby flavor profile. Dot the onions with small pats of butter to add richness and help caramelization.
- Add Cheese Layers: First, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the seasoned onions. Then, layer the slices of provolone cheese on top, followed by a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese to build a flavorful cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the onions are tender and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Optional Broil: For an extra crispy and browned top, broil the dish for 2 additional minutes, closely monitoring to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the cheesy baked onions rest for 5 minutes to set before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to firm up slightly for easier serving.
Notes
- Use sweet onions like Vidalia for the best balance of sweetness and mild flavor.
- Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference for a gooier or lighter topping.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crispy cheese crust.
- Serve as a side dish or as a rich appetizer paired with grilled meats or salads.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce butter or use a light cheese alternative.
Keywords: Tennessee onions, cheesy baked onions, baked onion side dish, onion rings alternative, melted cheese onions, southern side dish
