Tennessee Onions are the ultimate cheesy, savory side dish. Layers of sweet onions, flavored with Italian seasonings and garlic powder, are baked under a golden blanket of melted cheddar, Italian blend, and parmesan cheese. The result is a dish that’s both rich in flavor and incredibly comforting perfect for any meal. These onions are a versatile side that can pair beautifully with grilled meats, BBQ dishes, or even burgers. Their sweet, soft texture combined with the crispy, cheesy topping makes them irresistible. This simple yet indulgent dish is a great addition to your weeknight dinner or holiday feast.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 sweet onions (Vidalia, Walla Walla, or Maui work best)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced thin
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Slice the onions into 1/4-inch thick rounds and separate them into rings.
- Spread the onion rings evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Place butter slices over the onions. Then evenly spread the cheddar cheese, Italian blend cheese, and parmesan cheese over the onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Serve warm as a side dish or as a topper for burgers, BBQ, or steaks.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 431 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The History and Tradition Behind Tennessee Onions
While it’s hard to pinpoint the exact origin of Tennessee Onions, this dish reflects the quintessential Southern approach to cooking: taking simple ingredients and turning them into something truly special. Sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla, known for their mild flavor, are a staple in many Southern kitchens. In this dish, these onions are elevated by the addition of butter, cheese, and seasonings, creating a side that’s both decadent and comforting.
Southern cooking has always been about community, and this recipe fits perfectly into that tradition. Dishes like Tennessee Onions are often served at family reunions, church potlucks, and summer barbecues, where the food is meant to bring people together. The combination of sweet onions and savory cheese gives this dish universal appeal, making it a great choice for a variety of occasions.
Why Tennessee Onions Stand Out
What sets Tennessee Onions apart from other onion-based dishes is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, it manages to deliver an impressive depth of flavor. The natural sweetness of the onions, combined with the richness of melted butter and the tangy sharpness of cheese, creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Unlike other complex casseroles that require a long list of ingredients or advanced cooking techniques, Tennessee Onions is straightforward and easy to prepare. This makes it an excellent option for busy home cooks who want to impress their guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The dish is baked until the onions are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden, resulting in a satisfying texture that combines soft onions with a crisp, cheesy top layer.
Another reason this dish is so beloved is its versatility. While it’s often served as a side dish, it can easily be adapted to fit a range of meals. Pair it with grilled meats like steak or chicken, or use it as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. It’s a great accompaniment to barbecue, where its creamy, cheesy richness can complement the smoky flavors of the grill.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
While the basic recipe for Tennessee Onions is already packed with flavor, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste. One of the easiest ways to change things up is by experimenting with different types of cheese. The classic recipe calls for a blend of cheddar, Italian cheeses, and parmesan, but you can easily substitute other varieties to give the dish a new twist. For example, Gouda or Monterey Jack can add a creamy texture, while sharp cheddar can bring even more of that tangy bite.
You can also add a bit of spice to the dish by incorporating cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce. This gives the onions a slight kick that contrasts nicely with their natural sweetness. If you want to take the dish in a slightly different direction, try adding bacon crumbles or pancetta for a smoky, savory layer of flavor. The saltiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the richness of the cheese and butter, making the dish even more indulgent.
For those looking to lighten up the recipe a bit, you can substitute some of the cheese with reduced-fat versions or use a smaller amount overall. While the cheese is certainly a star ingredient, the onions themselves have enough flavor to carry the dish without being overwhelmed by heavy dairy. You can also incorporate more vegetables, like sliced bell peppers or zucchini, to add a bit of freshness and color to the casserole.
How to Serve Tennessee Onions
One of the best things about Tennessee Onions is its versatility when it comes to serving. It’s a side dish that can enhance a wide range of main courses, making it a perfect addition to your menu, no matter the occasion. Traditionally, it’s served alongside grilled meats, like steak, pork chops, or chicken, where the sweetness of the onions and richness of the cheese complement the smoky, savory flavors of the meat.
If you’re hosting a barbecue or casual gathering, Tennessee Onions is an ideal dish to serve buffet-style. It holds up well when left on the table for guests to help themselves, and the flavors only improve as the cheese cools slightly and the onions absorb more of the seasonings. It’s also a great dish for holiday meals, where you can serve it alongside turkey or ham for a memorable feast.
For a more creative take, you can use Tennessee Onions as a topping for burgers or sandwiches. The cheesy, savory onions add a depth of flavor that elevates simple grilled meats or even roasted vegetables. If you’re a fan of casseroles, you can also layer Tennessee Onions into other dishes, using it as a topping for baked potatoes or mixing it into a vegetable gratin.
Nutritional Considerations
While Tennessee Onions is undoubtedly a rich and indulgent dish, it’s important to keep its nutritional content in mind. Made with a generous amount of cheese and butter, this dish is higher in fat and calories than some other vegetable sides. However, it’s also relatively low in carbohydrates and sugars, thanks to the use of sweet onions, which are naturally low in both.
For those looking to enjoy this dish while keeping an eye on their caloric intake, you can make a few adjustments to lighten it up. Using a reduced amount of cheese or substituting some of the butter for olive oil can help cut down on the fat content. You can also experiment with using plant-based cheeses or butter alternatives if you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet.
Despite its richness, Tennessee Onions does offer some nutritional benefits. Onions are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants that can support heart health and help reduce inflammation in the body. While the dish should be enjoyed in moderation, it can still be a part of a balanced diet when served alongside lighter, healthier options.
Conclusion:
Tennessee Onions is a classic Southern dish that has earned its place at the table thanks to its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish transforms humble onions into a decadent side that’s perfect for any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a casual backyard barbecue or a holiday feast, Tennessee Onions is sure to impress your guests with its rich, cheesy goodness.
Its flexibility allows you to make the recipe your own, whether by changing up the cheeses, adding a bit of spice, or even incorporating additional vegetables. While it’s a rich dish, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal, offering both flavor and some nutritional benefits. In the end, Tennessee Onions is a dish that brings comfort and warmth to any occasion, making it a must-try for anyone who appreciates the joy of Southern cooking.