If you love the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions and crave a dish that effortlessly combines rich flavors with a melty, cheesy finish, this Tennessee Onions Recipe is a must-try. This Easy recipe turns simple ingredients like sweet onions, a flavorful blend of cheeses, and aromatic seasonings into a comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s an inviting way to savor onions in a whole new light.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but essential, each playing a special role to create the delicious layers of taste and texture you’ll fall in love with. From the buttery richness to the perfect blend of cheeses, every component works together beautifully.

3–4 Vidalia sweet onions: These onions provide a naturally sweet base that caramelizes perfectly when cooked.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Using butter cut into pats ensures even melting and a luscious coating across the onions.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic undertone without overpowering the sweetness.
½ teaspoon oregano: A pinch of this Italian herb adds an earthy, fragrant touch.
1 cup Italian blend cheese: A savory mix of Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone cheeses brings depth and creamy texture.
1 cup cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, cheddar complements the Italian blend beautifully.
½ cup Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a final nutty and savory finish.

How to Make Easy

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate heat is just right to ensure the onions soften while the cheese melts into an irresistible golden topping without burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. This little step is a game changer because it prevents sticking and makes cleaning up afterward a breeze.

Step 3: Slice the Onions

Peel the Vidalia onions and slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. It’s important not to separate the rings so the onions keep their structure when baked, offering both flavor and a lovely presentation.

Step 4: Arrange and Season the Onions

Lay the onion rounds evenly across your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, and oregano over them. This seasoning blend perfectly balances the sweetness of the onions and adds a subtle complexity to each bite.

Step 5: Add the Butter

Cut the butter into pats and evenly distribute them over the onions. As the butter melts during baking, it will coat each onion ring with a rich, silky layer that makes this dish utterly indulgent.

Step 6: Layer on the Cheese

Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar evenly over the onions, then top everything with the Parmesan cheese for an eye-catching and tasty crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll want to wait until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the onions are tender and sweet. Let it cool for a minute before serving to allow the flavors to settle beautifully.

How to Serve Easy

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the finished dish. It adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness without overwhelming it.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even alongside a fresh salad. Its cheesy, buttery character elevates any meal, making it a perfect sidekick for hearty dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the onions straight from the baking dish in a casual family-style setting, or for a prettier presentation, carefully transfer onion rounds to a serving plate to showcase their layered rings topped with luscious cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, where the flavors will continue to meld delightfully.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwave reheating is an option but may make the texture a bit softer.

FAQs

Can I use other types of onions?

While Vidalia onions are best for their natural sweetness, you can substitute with other sweet onions like Walla Walla or Maui. Just be mindful the flavor may change slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You could try plant-based butter and cheese alternatives, but keep in mind the classic cheesiness and rich flavor might be less intense.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

What if I don’t have an Italian cheese blend?

No worries! You can make your own by mixing Mozzarella, Provolone, and Romano cheeses. This mix will give you a similar cheesy depth.

How can I make the cheese topping extra crispy?

For an Easy crisp finish, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

This Tennessee Onions Recipe is an Easy, delightful way to transform simple Vidalia onions into something truly special. Whether you’re serving it as a cozy weeknight side or impressing guests, these savory, cheesy onions are guaranteed to be a hit. Give this recipe a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Tennessee Onions Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A deliciously rich and savory Tennessee Onions recipe featuring sweet Vidalia onions baked under a luscious blend of Italian and cheddar cheeses, enhanced with butter and aromatic seasonings. Perfect as a comforting side dish or a flavorful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

3–4 Vidalia sweet onions – peeled and sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds (do not separate the rings)

Dairy

4 tablespoons unsalted butter – cut into pats for even distribution
1 cup Italian blend cheese, finely shredded (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone)
1 cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded
½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt – or adjust according to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon oregano

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your onions cook evenly and the cheeses melt into a perfect, golden-brown topping.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. This will help the onions and cheese bake without burning or sticking to the dish.
Slice the Onions: Peel the Vidalia sweet onions and slice them into rounds about ¼ inch thick. Don’t separate the rings—keeping them together gives the dish more structure and an appealing presentation.
Arrange and Season the Onions: Lay the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and oregano for a well-balanced flavor that complements the sweetness of the onions.
Add the Butter: Cut the butter into eight pats and place them evenly across the onion rounds. The butter will melt as it bakes, coating the onions in a rich, delicious layer.
Layer on the Cheese: Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onions. Finish by topping it all with a final layer of Parmesan cheese for a savory, nutty finish.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly, and the onions are tender. Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, and serve warm!

Notes

Use Fresh Vidalia Onions: Vidalia onions bring a natural sweetness to the dish, making them the ideal choice.
Customize the Cheese Blend: If you can’t find an Italian blend, mix Mozzarella, Provolone, and Romano cheeses for similar results.
Seasoning Tip: Adjust the salt and garlic powder to your preference, especially if you’re using a saltier cheese.
Watch for Bubbling Cheese: Keep an eye on the dish around the 30-minute mark. For extra crispness, you can broil the top for the last 2 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American Southern