Cheesy Tennessee Style Onions

This cheesy Tennessee Onions dish transforms simple onions into a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth side that will steal the spotlight at any meal. The sweet Vidalia onions become perfectly tender while bathing in melted butter and three types of cheese, creating an irresistible combination that even vegetable skeptics will love.

I first made this for a summer barbecue when I needed something different than the usual sides. My father in law, who typically avoids onions, took three helpings and asked for the recipe before leaving. Now it appears at every family gathering by popular demand.

• Vidalia sweet onions: these are the star of the show with their natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. Look for firm onions with no soft spots
• Unsalted butter: creates richness and helps the onions caramelize. Use good quality for best flavor
• Salt: enhances the natural sweetness of the onions. Use kosher or sea salt if available
• Garlic powder: adds depth without overpowering. Make sure yours is fresh and not clumpy
• Oregano: provides an herbal note that complements the cheese. Rub between fingers before adding to release oils
• Italian blend cheese: brings complexity with its mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. Shred fresh if possible
• Cheddar cheese: adds a sharp tanginess that cuts through the richness. Choose medium or sharp based on preference
• Parmesan cheese: creates the perfect crispy top layer. Freshly grated offers superior melting and flavor

How To Make Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Prepare the baking dish:

Spray your 9×13 baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray, making sure to coat the sides as well as the bottom. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier later.

Prepare the onions:

Peel each Vidalia onion carefully, removing the outer papery skin without damaging the layers beneath. Slice into rounds approximately ¼ inch thick, being careful to keep the rings intact within each slice. Too thin and they'll disappear when baked, too thick and they won't cook through properly.

Layer and season:

Arrange the onion slices in a single even layer across your baking dish, slightly overlapping them if needed. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, and oregano evenly across all the onions, making sure every slice gets seasoned. I like to season from a height to ensure even distribution.

Add butter strategically:

Cut your cold butter into eight even pieces and distribute them strategically across the onions. As they melt, they'll create pockets of richness throughout the dish. Place them especially around the edges where things might otherwise dry out.

Apply the cheese layers:

Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend evenly across the entire dish, followed by the cheddar cheese. Finally, add the Parmesan as the top layer. This layering technique creates the perfect melt pattern and ensures the Parmesan forms a beautiful golden crust.

Bake to perfection:

Place the dish in your preheated 350°F oven on the middle rack where heat distribution is most even. Bake for 35 40 minutes, watching carefully after the 30 minute mark. The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbling throughout and the top has spots of golden brown.

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The first time I made this recipe, I accidentally used yellow onions instead of Vidalias and while still good, it lacked that special sweetness that makes this dish exceptional. My husband now inspects my grocery bags specifically looking for Vidalias when he knows this dish is on the menu. The difference really is remarkable.

Make Ahead Options

These Tennessee onions can be prepped completely up to the baking stage, then covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding about 5 10 minutes to the cooking time since you're starting with cold ingredients. The convenience of make ahead preparation makes this an excellent choice for holiday meals when oven space and time are at a premium.

Ingredient Substitutions

While Vidalia onions provide the best flavor for this dish, you can substitute other sweet onion varieties like Walla Walla or Maui if Vidalias aren't available. For the cheese blend, feel free to experiment with what you have on hand a combination of mozzarella and provolone works well in place of the Italian blend. For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or substituting pepper jack for some of the cheddar.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesy onions pair beautifully with grilled steaks, burgers, or roasted chicken. The savory richness complements simple proteins perfectly. For a complete meal, serve alongside a green salad with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. During holiday gatherings, these make an unexpected and welcome alternative to traditional casseroles. I've also served smaller portions as an appetizer with toasted baguette slices for scooping up the melty goodness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of onions should I use for this dish?

Vidalia sweet onions are ideal for this dish because of their naturally mild and sweet flavor.

→ Can I substitute the Italian blend cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Italian blend cheese with mozzarella, provolone, or any mild, melty cheese you prefer.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it just before serving for the best results.

→ What can I serve with cheesy onions?

Cheesy onions make an excellent side dish for grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even as part of a vegetarian spread.

→ Are there any dietary modifications I can make?

This dish is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free. To make it lower in fat, use reduced-fat cheese and butter.

→ How can I ensure the onions cook evenly?

Slice the onions evenly, about ¼ inch thick, and arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish for even cooking.