If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food side dish, let me gush about Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side. This dish transforms humble sweet onions into a bubbling, golden-topped casserole of melty cheese, aromatic herbs, and buttery goodness. Imagine the soft, sweet bite of perfectly baked onions with a trio of cheeses making every forkful irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, craving a hearty accompaniment for weeknight dinners, or simply want to shake up your usual sides, Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side will quickly win a spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a masterclass in simplicity, letting each ingredient shine. Every component works together to deliver outrageously rich flavor, oozy texture, and inviting aromas straight from the oven. Here’s why each element is non-negotiable in crafting Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side:
- Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow): These onions bake up melt-in-your-mouth tender and naturally sweet, making the perfect base for our cheesy bake.
- Butter, cut into small pats: Layering on butter ensures every bite is rich, with caramelized edges and a luscious mouthfeel.
- Italian seasoning: This herb blend infuses the dish with savory depth, tying together the cheese and onions with loads of flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for amplifying the sweetness of the onions and balancing the cheesy richness—don’t skimp!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The melty star that gives the casserole its signature gooeyness and classic cheese pulls.
- Provolone cheese, sliced: Lends a creamy, lightly tangy flavor that adds a little intrigue to every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top, it delivers nutty, salty notes and that irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it piping hot for an even, bubbly bake. Generously butter a medium baking dish—this not only prevents sticking but adds a bit of extra luxury to every layer.
Step 2: Arrange the Onion Slices
Slice your sweet onions into thick, ½-inch rounds. Lay them in a single layer across the bottom of your prepared dish. Don’t worry about perfection—overlapping edges just mean more tender bites!
Step 3: Season and Add Butter
Sprinkle your onion slices with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Scatter the butter pats evenly over the top; this blend of seasonings and fats is key to enhancing every juicy bite.
Step 4: Layer the Cheeses
Shower the onions with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella, ensuring they’re well covered. Next, arrange provolone slices to blanket everything, and finally dust the top with grated Parmesan for that perfect, crispy-topped finish.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for golden, bubbling cheese and onions that are soft enough to cut with a fork. For an extra-crispy crown, pop the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Pull the Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short wait allows everything to settle so you can slice, serve, and enjoy each mouthwatering layer.
How to Serve Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby note that cuts through the richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan is never a bad choice either.
Side Dishes
Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side stands tall alongside grilled meats at a barbecue, but it’s equally perfect next to roast chicken, baked potatoes, or a crisp green salad to round out a cozy dinner spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, spoon the cheesy onions into small ramekins for individual servings, or serve them on crostini as a decadent appetizer. They’re the special twist guests will rave about long after the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers almost as good—if not better—than fresh-out-of-the-oven servings.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the dish (but don’t bake), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed for that golden top.
Reheating
Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying, until hot and bubbly. For a crispier texture, uncover for the last few minutes or broil briefly right before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of onion?
Absolutely! While sweet onions like Vidalia really shine in Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side, any mild yellow or white onion will work beautifully. Just note, sharper onions may add a bit more bite.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
This recipe is vegetarian as written, provided you use cheeses made with vegetarian-friendly rennet. Double check your cheese labels if this is a concern.
Can I add extra vegetables to Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side?
Yes! Sliced bell peppers or zucchini layer in nicely, just be sure to keep them thin so everything bakes evenly. Adding extra vegetables is a great way to customize the dish to your family’s tastes.
How do I get extra crispy cheese on top?
For maximum crunch, broil the finished dish for 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye so the cheese doesn’t burn. A little extra Parmesan sprinkled before broiling also amps up that golden crust.
What’s the best way to prep Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side for a party?
Assemble everything in advance, stash it in the fridge, and pop it in the oven just before guests arrive. It’s low-effort, impressive, and holds well if dinner runs a bit late!
Final Thoughts
Trust me: once you try Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side, you’ll wonder how you ever served a meal without it. Easy to make, a total crowd-pleaser, and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is Southern comfort at its most mouthwatering. Give it a spot on your table and savor all those toasty, cheesy layers—you may never look at onions the same way again!
Print
Tennessee Onions – The Cheesy Baked Side Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Tennessee Onions are a gooey, cheesy, flavor-packed side dish that might just outshine the main course. Sweet onion slices are baked with a trio of melty cheeses, butter, and herbs until golden and bubbling. It’s an easy Southern comfort classic perfect for barbecues, family dinners, or anytime you want to level up your onion game.
Ingredients
Sweet onions (Vidalia or yellow), sliced ½ inch thick
- Butter, cut into small pats
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Provolone cheese, sliced
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish.
- Arrange onion slices in a single layer in the dish. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add pats of butter on top.
- Sprinkle mozzarella, then layer provolone slices over onions. Top with Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
