Tennessee Onions: A Cheesy Delight

Looking for a delightful twist on traditional onion rings? Tennessee Onions offer a savory and cheesy alternative that’s sure to impress. This dish combines the natural sweetness of Vidalia onions with a rich blend of cheeses, making it a perfect side dish or appetizer for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Vidalia sweet onions: 3-4 large onions. Vidalia onions are renowned for their natural sweetness and mild flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the dish. Choose firm onions with a glossy, papery skin.
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons. This helps to create a rich, buttery base for the onions. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, adjusted to preference. Salt is essential for seasoning the onions and balancing the flavors of the dish.
• Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder adds a subtle, savory depth to the flavor profile, complementing the sweetness of the onions.
• Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon. This herb adds a hint of Mediterranean flavor, enhancing the aromatic qualities of the dish.
• Italian blend cheese: 1 cup, finely shredded. This typically includes a mixture of Mozzarella, Parmesan, Romano, Asiago, and Provolone, offering a complex, rich flavor profile.
• Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, finely shredded. Cheddar adds a sharp, tangy element that pairs well with the sweetness of the onions and the richness of the Italian blend cheese.
• Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, finely shredded. Parmesan provides a nutty, salty finish to the dish, adding to the overall depth of flavor.

Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, helping the dish cook evenly.

Step 2:

Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the onions and cheese from sticking to the dish, making for easier serving and cleanup.

Step 3:

Clean and peel the Vidalia sweet onions. Slice them into rounds approximately ¼ inch thick. Do not separate the rounds into individual onion rings. Keeping the rings together helps maintain the structural integrity of the dish.

Step 4:

Spread the onion rounds evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. Ensure the onions cover the entire surface to create a uniform layer.

Step 5:

Season the onion rounds with salt, garlic powder, and oregano. These spices add depth and flavor to the onions, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Step 6:

Cut the butter into roughly eight even portions or pats. Distribute these butter pats evenly across the seasoned onion rounds in the baking dish. The butter will melt during baking, adding richness and helping to cook the onions.

Step 7:

Sprinkle the Italian blend cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the onion rounds. Finish with a final topping of shredded Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt and brown, creating a delicious, gooey, and crispy topping.

Step 8:

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is browned and bubbling. Keep an eye on the dish to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.

Step 9:

For optimal taste, serve the dish promptly while it remains warm. The cheese will be at its meltiest, and the onions will be perfectly tender.

Serving and Storage Tips

Tennessee Onions are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is still bubbling and the onions are tender. Serve them as a side dish to complement grilled meats, or enjoy them as an appetizer with crusty bread. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in an oven-safe dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can make the onions soggy and the cheese rubbery.

Helpful Notes

Here are a few tips and variations to consider when making Tennessee Onions:

• If you can't find Vidalia onions, any sweet onion will work, such as Walla Walla or Maui onions.
• For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before baking.
• Experiment with different cheese blends to find your perfect flavor combination. Try adding Gouda or Fontina for a different taste profile.
• Make sure to slice the onions evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Thicker slices might remain too firm, while thinner slices might overcook.
• For a lower-calorie version, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a light butter alternative. However, this may alter the richness of the dish.
• If you’re serving this dish at a gathering, consider baking it in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Renowned chef Alton Brown suggests that the key to perfecting baked onion dishes is to balance the sweetness of the onions with the right amount of seasoning and cheese. He recommends using a variety of cheeses to create a complex, satisfying flavor profile. By following these tips and experimenting with your own variations, you can make Tennessee Onions a memorable dish for any occasion.